ICC sexual misconduct probe into prosecutor Karim Khan ongoing despite exoneration reports

Sexual misconduct allegations against International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan remain under review by the court's executive section, despite some media reports claiming his exoneration, Reuters reported.

An internal memo shared with court staff on Sunday announced that the investigation into claims of non-consensual sexual relations with a lawyer in Khan's office continues. Khan, who probes war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, has temporarily stepped aside from his duties and denies any wrongdoing. The United Nations Internal Oversight Services submitted a confidential report to the ICC Assembly of States Parties in December following a year-long investigation.

Pavy Kokoranta, President of the Assembly of States Parties, stated in the memo to staff: "The disciplinary process in the Office is ongoing and remains confidential. No decision has been made and media speculation should not be heeded."

The Office of the Prosecutor, the Assembly and foreign lawyers representing Khan did not respond to requests for comment.

The probe coincides with U.S. sanctions against Khan and other ICC officials over their examination of alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza and an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, issued arrest warrants last year for Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, head of the Taliban Supreme Court, on charges of crimes against humanity. The Taliban government condemned the action and stated it does not recognize the court.

The ICC has about 125 member countries obligated to execute its arrest warrants. It has issued 61 warrants to date, with 22 accused arrested and brought to trial and 30 others still being pursued.