The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirms that Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang have assumed leadership, management and administration of the Office, following Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC’s decision to take a leave of absence.
On 16 May 2025, the Prosecutor communicated that he would go on leave until the conclusion of the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) process, the external investigation into his alleged misconduct.
In assuming leadership, the Deputy Prosecutors underline the importance of ensuring continuity of the Office’s activities across all areas of work, and particularly in its mission to investigate and prosecute the most serious crimes with independence and impartiality. The Office reaffirms its commitment to the continued effective implementation of its mandate to deliver justice for victims of Rome Statute crimes, across all situations and cases globally.
The Office also echoes the call of the Presidency of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) to protect the integrity of the external investigation, and to respect the privacy and rights of all involved parties. The OTP will continue to fully cooperate with this procedure as appropriate. The Office is acutely aware of the duty of care it owes to all staff members and personnel, especially affected individuals.
The Deputy Prosecutors and OTP personnel will continue to rely on the support and collaboration of the Rome Statute community, and all partners, in carrying the Office’s mandate forward.
The Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC conducts independent and impartial preliminary examinations, investigations and prosecutions of the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
