Karim Khan KC, the British International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor who previously sought the arrests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, is now facing disciplinary charges. These charges stem from allegations of sexual harassment made by a female colleague, who accused him of misconduct and non-consensual sexual activity.

The claims against the 56-year-old prosecutor first surfaced in 2024. One former female colleague alleged that Mr. Khan engaged in non-consensual sex with her over an 11-month period during official trips to New York, Colombia, Chad, and Paris. She further stated that he subjected her to a 'constant onslaught' of sexual advances and repeatedly attempted to pressure her into sexual activity. In August of the same year, a second woman also came forward to investigators, accusing Mr. Khan of sexual misconduct.

An investigation was launched as a result of these allegations, leading Mr. Khan to take a leave of absence from his role. Interestingly, the ICC's investigatory panel of judges had previously reached a 'unanimous and unequivocal conclusion' that no misconduct had taken place. However, the court's 21-strong oversight body, referred to as the 'political bureau,' overruled this decision.

In a recent vote, 15 members of the ICC's supervisory body voted in favour of bringing disciplinary proceedings against Mr. Khan, with two abstaining and four voting against. Mr. Khan's lawyers have expressed alarm at this development, claiming that their client had not been directly informed of the decision and that it contradicted the advice from the judges' panel. Through his legal representatives, Mr. Khan has 'categorically' denied engaging in any sexual misconduct.

The timing of these allegations has raised concerns over the court's internal processes, particularly given that Mr. Khan controversially sought the arrests of the Israeli officials in May 2024, just two weeks after the initial sexual harassment claims were made against him.