What’s behind the ICC investigation into Karim Khan?

What the report says

Al Jazeera published a July 25, 2026 video explainer examining the investigation into Karim Khan, whom it describes as the International Criminal Court’s ousted chief prosecutor. According to the outlet’s brief article text, Khan was removed from office in connection with sexual assault allegations, while his lawyers argue that he is being targeted in a politically driven campaign.

The report says Khan’s legal team portrays the case as a “political witchhunt” linked to his decision to pursue war crimes action against Israeli leaders. Al Jazeera frames the matter around the dispute over whether the investigation is a response to alleged misconduct or whether it is influenced by the political fallout from Khan’s work at the ICC.

The ICC, based in The Hague, is an international court that handles cases involving alleged genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and related grave offenses when national systems are unwilling or unable to act. Its prosecutor’s office plays a central role in deciding which investigations and cases to advance, making any inquiry involving a chief prosecutor especially sensitive for the court’s credibility and independence.

The article text available does not provide details of the allegations, the body conducting the investigation, Khan’s full response, or any formal findings. The key development reported by Al Jazeera is the clash between the stated basis for Khan’s removal and his lawyers’ claim that the case is politically motivated.