ICC member states convene to vote on Prosecutor Karim Khan's dismissal

Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are holding an extraordinary session at United Nations headquarters to vote on the potential dismissal of Prosecutor Karim Khan. The Assembly of States Parties, comprising 125 nations, is deliberating Khan's future following allegations of sexual misconduct.

The session began with a public plenary before moving to closed-door discussions. Päivi Kaukoranta, President of the Assembly, emphasized the need for cooperation to handle the matter with respect for privacy. A verification commission has been appointed, and the final decision is anticipated during a closing plenary later today.

Khan faces accusations stemming from a former collaborator who reported non-consensual sexual contact between March 2023 and April 2024. While an internal UN investigation's findings were examined by an independent panel, a confidential summary suggested the evidence did not meet the "beyond a reasonable doubt" legal standard. However, the Assembly's Bureau previously recommended Khan's removal, leading to this vote.

Participation in the vote includes European Union members like Spain, France, and Germany, along with countries from various regions. Notably, the United States and Israel, which are not States Parties to the Rome Statute, will not participate. The outcome hinges on an absolute majority, requiring at least 63 of the 125 member states to vote in favor of his dismissal.

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I am confident that I can count on your cooperation so that we can manage this matter while respecting the privacy of the person and of the Court as an institution.