The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Karim Khan, has temporarily stepped down as a United Nations investigation into alleged sexual misconduct nears completion. According to Reuters, a statement is expected later today announcing Khan's administrative leave. Khan denies the allegations, which were reported to the ICC's governing body in October last year.
Yesterday, it was reported that the ICC has been severely impacted by U.S. sanctions imposed in February after the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, among others. The situation is so critical that the ICC's operations have nearly ground to a halt, with only basic tasks being performed. American staff at the court have been warned they risk arrest if they travel to the U.S., and Khan's email access has been revoked while his bank accounts remain frozen.