International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan suspended from duty with immediate effect The court’s governing body said late Monday night.
It comes after an 18-month-long investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct with a female colleague.
In response, Khan’s lawyers described the decision as “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence”.
What are the allegations?
The allegations against Khan were first reported to the court’s independent monitor more than two years ago.
Khan is accused of repeatedly harassing a female ICC employee over a long period of time.
According to a copy of a report by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) seen by The Associated Press, he had non-consensual sexual contact (with an assistant) in his office, at his private residence and while on mission.
Sources previously told Reuters news agency that a report by UN investigators had found a “factual basis” for allegations of sexual abuse. However, a second report by three judges reviewing the UN findings said the evidence was insufficient to establish the truth of the allegations “beyond reasonable doubt”.
Khan has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He stepped down in May 2025 pending the outcome of the investigation.
No criminal charges have been filed against Khan.
what comes next?
The executive committee of the Assembly of State Parties (ASP) Bureau, the ICC’s monitoring body, consisting of 21 members, decided to refer the case to the Assembly with representation from all ICC member states.
The said bureau’s decision to suspend Khan was taken “by qualified majority”. Its assessment was based on “the report of the investigation conducted by OIOS, the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad-hoc panel of judicial experts and written submissions”.
A majority of the ICC’s 125 member states would have to vote in favor of removing Khan from his role in a secret ballot.
ICC Prosecutor’s Warrant
Khan, the chief prosecutor since 2021, issued arrest warrants for celebrities including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The US increased pressure on the court, particularly on Netanyahu warrants, imposing sanctions on staff and judges.
While 125 countries, including all EU members, have joined the court, the US, Russia and Israel have not.
Edited by: Louis Olofse
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