ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, to step aside until investigation ends

Karim Khan, whose two deputy prosecutors will take over his responsibilities in his absence. Photograph: Marwan Ali/AP

The chief prosecutor of the international criminal court, Karim Khan, will take a leave of absence until an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct reaches a conclusion, the court has confirmed.

Staff in the ICC’s prosecution division were told on Friday that Khan would temporarily step aside until an external investigation examining the allegations against him was completed and court authorities could consider its findings.