This timeline outlines the major events relating to the investigation into misconduct allegations levelled against International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan, who has denied the accusations and termed them a part of a disinformation campaign against him.
May 3, 2024
The ICC’s Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) is notified of the harassment allegations against Khan by a third party. When contacted by IOM, the alleged victim, however, refuses to confirm or deny the allegations and declines to file a formal complaint. IOM, therefore, recommends undisclosed measures without launching a formal investigation.
May 28, 2024
The Guardian publishes an investigative report alleging that Israel had for almost a decade used its intelligence agencies to harass senior ICC staff to try to derail the court’s investigation in the Palestine State situation. Former ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda later confirmed that she and her family were subjected to threats by Israeli agents. Khan cited this as part of the disinformation efforts in the harassment allegations against him.
October 17, 2024
Allegations are made public via anonymous social media accounts. An anonymous account on X, formerly Twitter, posts details about the misconduct allegations, including information seemingly from the ICC’s internal oversight probe and the alleged victim’s identity.
October 18, 2024
The IOM submits the 2023/2024 annual report to the Assembly of States Parties. The report, covering IOM’s operations from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, details the May 3, 2024, notification about an elected official allegedly violating the harassment policy. The media widely identify the official as Karim Khan.
October 24, 2024
Assembly of States Parties President Päivi Kaukoranta issues a press release, acknowledging the complaint and confirming the IOM was seized of the matter. She explains that, as reported in its annual report, the IOM was not in a position to proceed with an investigation at that stage. She emphasises the court’s zero-tolerance policy towards prohibited conduct, including harassment and abuse of authority.
Khan welcomes the statement and says via X that there is no truth to the allegations of misconduct. He says he is willing to provide any information needed to the IOM.
October 28, 2024
Khan issues public statement via X, formerly Twitter, on the allegations. He requests the IOM to open an investigation into the misconduct allegations and what he claims appears to be disinformation.
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ICC Prosecutor requests official investigation of sexual harassment claims against him
November 11, 2024
Assembly of States Parties President Päivi Kaukoranta announces an external investigation. Kaukoranta states that, after consulting the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the presidency decided to pursue an external investigation to ensure a “fully independent, impartial and fair process, in conformity with the legal framework of the ICC and the IOM and following a victim-centred approach”.
November 25, 2024
Civil society organisations, including Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice and International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), demand Khan’s immediate suspension pending the investigation.
December 2024
The ASP selects the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to conduct the external investigation. Päivi Kaukoranta announces this decision to delegates in a closed-door meeting during the ASP’s annual meeting in The Hague.
May 16, 2025
ICC confirms Khan’s temporary leave of absence. The ICC states that he has temporarily stepped aside until the external investigation by the UN OIOS concludes. Khan’s legal team Carter-Ruck clarifies to Reuters that he remains the prosecutor and has not stepped down but has taken a leave of absence due to media pressure.
May 18, 2025
The ASP Presidency takes note of the Prosecutor’s communication and states that in the absence of the Prosecutor, the court will continue its normal operations uninterrupted under the leadership of the Presidency, the Registrar, and the Deputy Prosecutors. It calls for due respect for privacy, rights of all involved, and the integrity of the investigation.
May 19, 2025
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) issues a statement confirming that Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang have assumed leadership and management of the office during Khan’s absence, emphasising continuity of the work of the office.
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