ICC Orders Prosecutor to Recuse Himself from Venezuela Case Over Family Ties
- M.R Mishra
- Aug 4
- 1 min read
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled that Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan must step down from investigating alleged crimes against humanity in Venezuela due to a conflict of interest involving his sister-in-law, who represents Venezuela's government.
Khan, currently on leave over unrelated misconduct allegations, has led the probe since 2021 into accusations that President Nicolás Maduro's regime detained, tortured, and killed opponents. The ICC appeals judges found his family connection to defense lawyer Venkateswari Alagendra created an "appearance of impropriety," despite Khan denying any improper discussions.
The Washington-based Arcadia Foundation, which filed the recusal request, called the decision a "victory for transparency." The ruling complicates the ICC's only active Latin America investigation, launched after six countries' complaints.
Khan has three weeks to formally withdraw. The case highlights challenges in maintaining impartiality at the ICC, which is also handling sensitive probes involving Israel and Russia. Human rights groups now urge swift appointment of a replacement to continue the Venezuela investigation.
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