British lawyers’ body suspends ICC Prosecutor Khan over misconduct claim

Khan is the subject of multiple investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct at the ICC.Britain’s independent watchdog for lawyers has suspended the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan.In a statement issued on Friday, the Bar Standards Board (BSB) said the suspension was effective immediately. The move comes just a week after the ICC suspended Khan, who has led numerous high-profile prosecutions of senior figures in the conflicts in Sudan, Russia and the Middle East.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4A world on trial: How lawyers documenting Israeli abuse pay a pricelist 2 of 4Philippines orders arrest of fugitive senator wanted by ICClist 3 of 4Philippines top court rejects bid to block arrest of senator wanted by ICClist 4 of 4Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Smotrich says ICC seeking his arrestend of listThe 56-year-old prosecutor faces allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide. The accusation was first reported more than two years ago. Khan has denied any wrongdoing.“The interim suspension must now be considered by an Interim Suspension Panel at a hearing within the next four weeks,” the BSB update read.Two coworkers initially brought allegations of misconduct against Khan to the ICC’s watchdog, but an initial investigation was closed after the woman involved in the claim declined to make a formal complaint, saying she feared retaliation.The accusation came as Khan sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. In response, the United States, which does not recognise the ICC, sanctioned 11 of its staff, including Khan, revoking their US visas and blocking their bank accounts.On June 8, the ICC’s executive committee suspended Khan after an investigation found he engaged in “serious misconduct ” and a “serious breach of duty”.Khan’s lawyers rejected the ICC’s decision and have pledged to challenge the decision.