ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Suspended Over Misconduct Allegations

International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended from his position due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The ICC's supervisory body announced the suspension Monday evening, citing an investigation by the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services, expert advice, and written submissions. A final decision on Khan's potential dismissal will be made at a special session of the court's member states, to be held as soon as possible.

Khan, a British prosecutor, was accused by a close colleague in 2024 of repeated harassment and sexual coercion over an extended period. The UN commission investigated these claims and submitted its report in December 2025, though the findings have not been made public. Three judges from the international court provided a legal opinion based on the investigation, which also remains unpublished.

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The Executive Committee of the Court’s supervisory body stated that this assessment was based on 'the report of an investigation conducted by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), evidence, advice from an ad hoc panel of judicial experts and written submissions.'

The 56-year-old prosecutor has stated his intention to return to duty once the accusations, which he denies, are clarified. Khan has been a prominent figure as chief prosecutor since 2021, notably issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The United States has intensified pressure on the court, particularly concerning the warrant for Netanyahu, imposing sanctions on court staff and judges. While 125 nations, including all EU member states, have signed the court's founding treaty, the US, Russia, and Israel are not signatories.

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I want to return to my post as soon as the accusations, which I deny, are clarified.