ICC Bureau Reviews Panel's No-Misconduct Finding on Khan

The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, the governing body of the International Criminal Court, is reviewing allegations of sexual misconduct against Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, following a panel of judges' unanimous conclusion that an investigation by the United Nations did not establish any wrongdoing on his part. The bureau is expected to convene soon to assess the panel's findings, amid internal disagreements over how to proceed.

Khan, a British lawyer who has led the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor since 2021, has been on voluntary leave since May of last year, when complaints first emerged. The accusations, brought by a female colleague in his office, involve claims of non-consensual physical contact and abuse of authority. These incidents allegedly occurred at Khan's private residence, during overseas trips, and at ICC headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands. A second woman later came forward, describing repeated unwanted advances. Khan has consistently denied any abusive or inappropriate behavior, stating that all interactions were consensual.

In response to the complaints, the Assembly of States Parties commissioned the UN Office for Internal Oversight Services to...