ICC chief prosecutor Khan suspended by British bar association after sexual misconduct allegations

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, faces an interim suspension from Britain's Bar Standards Board (BSB). This action comes shortly after the ICC itself suspended Khan on June 8 due to allegations of sexual misconduct.

The BSB stated that under its regulations, an "interim suspension must now be considered by an Interim Suspension Panel at a hearing within the next four weeks." The suspension is effective immediately.

Khan, 56, has denied all allegations made against him. A diplomatic source familiar with the ICC's decision revealed that the court's governing body's executive bureau ruled Khan committed "serious misconduct" following an 18-month investigation into claims of non-consensual sexual interactions with a lawyer in his office. The bureau has recommended Khan's removal from his position.

The ICC's governing body will forward its findings to all 125 member states, who will ultimately vote on Khan's future in a special session.

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Under the BSB's Enforcement Regulations, the interim suspension must now be considered by an Interim Suspension Panel at a hearing within the next four weeks.