Khan categorically denies the accusations. A female aide alleged that he groped her and pressured her into a sexual relationship over the course of a year. The alleged events occurred while Khan was leading investigations into war crimes by Israeli leaders.
The ICC said Friday that Khan voluntarily decided to take leave “until the end” of an external investigation. The inquiry is being led by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). Until then, deputy prosecutors will manage his duties.
Notably, the woman behind the allegations chose not to file a formal complaint. According to an earlier Associated Press report, she shared her claims with two court colleagues in May 2023. That was shortly before Khan sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
The ICC's internal watchdog closed its preliminary review after just five days. It did not interview Khan and found no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing. Still, it advised him to minimize contact with the woman “to protect the rights of all involved.”
The timing of the allegations has prompted speculation. Khan has faced mounting political pressure, particularly after initiating war crimes cases against Israeli officials. In February, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on him. Israeli officials also issued veiled threats and called the ICC’s actions “an attack on Israel’s right to self-defense.”
UN experts have condemned such pressure. They warned that targeting ICC officials could erode global accountability and reinforce a “culture of impunity.”
Women’s rights groups applauded Khan’s decision to step aside. But critics note that the case’s vague details, lack of formal complaint, and unusual timing raise red flags.
