ICC suspends top prosecutor after investigating misconduct allegations

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended with immediate effect pending an investigation into misconduct allegations. The ICC's management oversight body made the decision and has referred the matter to the court's 125 member states, who will vote on Khan's future. Khan denies all allegations of sexual misconduct, and his lawyers have called the decision "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence." The accusations reportedly include unwanted sexual touching and "abuse." The suspension does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation, and a two-thirds majority of member states would be needed to uphold any findings and potentially remove Khan from office. Khan has been on voluntary leave since May 2025 to address these allegations.

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been suspended following a disciplinary process concerning sexual abuse allegations. The ICC's governing body announced the suspension after its executive committee voted to refer the proceedings to the court's member states for a decision on Khan's future. The committee determined that Khan committed serious misconduct in connection with the claims, which were brought by a woman who worked for him and allege coercive and nonconsensual sexual behavior between 2023 and 2024. Khan has repeatedly denied the allegations. This referral to the 125 member states is an unprecedented step for the ICC and could lead to a vote on his removal from office. Khan had previously stepped aside from his duties.

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been suspended from his duties. This action was taken late Monday after the court's oversight body referred him for disciplinary proceedings. The allegations against Khan, which have been ongoing for over two years, involve claims of sexual misconduct with a female aide. Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The ultimate decision regarding his position rests with the Assembly of States Parties, the ICC's overseeing body, which will convene a special session to determine his future at the global court.