The lead prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has decided to temporarily step aside. 

The Associated Press reports that Karim Khan did so amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

This alleged misconduct is currently being investigated, and it appears that Khan has decided to step down at least until these investigations reach their conclusions.

Khan has repeatedly maintained his innocence, so he believes that he will be vindicated.

Here's what's going on:

Just the News explains how Khan is being investigated to "unwanted sexual touching and 'abuse.'"

Per the outlet:

Earlier media reports cited a document with accusations against Khan, including unwanted sexual touching and "abuse" . . . Khan has denied the misconduct allegations that were reported to the court's governing body in October.

Khan did not exactly just step down on his own accord. He has been facing significant pressure to do so. "Several organisations and ICC staff members had previously called for Mr Khan to step down during the investigation," the BBC reports.

The outlet goes on to describe the various investigations that Kahn is facing.

It writes:

Shortly after the allegations came to light last year, Mr Khan asked the ICC's watchdog, the Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM), to conduct an internal investigation into the claims. The court's governing body later decided to pursue it externally to "ensure a fully independent, impartial and fair process," its president said. The investigation comes during intense scrutiny of the ICC and Mr Khan after his request for arrest warrants linked to the Israel-Hamas war - including for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

"My decision . . ."

Kahn sent an email to members of his staff expressing his decision to take a leave of absence while these investigations play out.

He, in part, wrote:

My decision is driven by deep and unwavering commitment to the credibility of our Office and the Court, and to safeguard the integrity of the process and fairness to all involved.

Kahn continues to maintain his innocence.

Reuters reports,"In a written statement, Khan's attorneys rejected all allegations of wrongdoing. They said he said he had taken leave because media attention on the matter affected his ability to focus on his work but did not intend to resign."

The question now is how the ICC will handle the situation. Per Reuters:

The move is unprecedented and there is no clear procedure for replacing Khan. The situation creates added uncertainty for the ICC, which is already facing an existential crisis due to U.S. sanctions over its arrest warrants for Israeli officials.