ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan suspended over sexual misconduct claims

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been suspended from duty with immediate effect, the court's governing body announced late Monday. The suspension follows an 18-month investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct made by an aide.

Khan's lawyers strongly contested the decision, describing it as "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence." The allegations, first reported to the court's independent watchdog over two years ago, claim Khan repeatedly harassed a female ICC employee over an extended period. A report by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) seen by the Associated Press details alleged "nonconsensual sexual contact with (the aide) in his office, at his private residence, and whilst on mission."

While a report by United Nations investigators reportedly found a "factual basis" for the allegations, a subsequent review by three judges deemed the evidence insufficient to establish the truth "beyond a reasonable doubt." Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing and had stepped down in May 2025 pending the investigation's outcome. No criminal charges have been filed against him.

The Assembly of State Parties (ASP) bureau, the executive committee of the ICC's oversight body, will now refer the case to the Assembly, comprising all ICC member countries. The decision to suspend Khan was made by a qualified majority vote. A majority of the ICC's 125 member states must vote in favor of removing Khan from his role in a secret ballot. Khan has served as chief prosecutor since 2021 and notably issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.