The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court was suspended from his position, according to AP. Karim Khan faced allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide and was referred for disciplinary proceedings on Monday in The Hague, Netherlands.
What happened
The International Criminal Court’s oversight body suspended Karim Khan following a referral for disciplinary proceedings late Monday. The allegations involve sexual misconduct with a female aide over a period exceeding two years. Khan, aged 56, has denied any wrongdoing.
A final decision regarding Khan’s status will be made by the Assembly of States Parties, which is tasked with overseeing the ICC. “Khan’s suspension pending the assembly meeting is not an indication of the final outcome,” a statement from the Bureau of the Assembly noted.
The U.N. investigation found evidence that Khan had “nonconsensual sexual contact with (the aide) in his office, at his private residence, and whilst on mission,” the report stated.
Why it matters
This unprecedented situation raises significant questions regarding leadership accountability within the ICC. Only the Assembly of States Parties possesses the power to remove Khan, necessitating a majority vote from its 125 member states. A measure to remove him would require the support of at least 63 countries.
The implications of this case are profound, as it challenges the integrity of one of the world’s foremost judicial bodies tasked with prosecuting war crimes and human rights violations.
Background
The allegations against Khan were first reported to the court’s independent watchdog over two years ago. On May 20, 2025, he stepped down temporarily pending the investigation’s outcome. The ICC Assembly has had to create new procedural rules during this unprecedented process.
Reportedly, Khan’s behavior included inappropriate conduct during official trips and instances where he allegedly locked his office door. Investigative documents detailed other allegations, including requests for intimate interactions with the aide.
What’s next
No date has been set for the Assembly of States Parties to meet, but it has committed to convening as soon as possible to address Khan’s future at the ICC.
