ICC members vote to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan

Karim Khan has been dismissed as prosecutor of the International Criminal Court after a vote by its member states. Eighty-two of the 125 nations supported his removal, citing allegations of sexual misconduct. Khan, 56, denies any wrongdoing and his lawyer stated he will challenge the decision through legal mechanisms.

The dismissal follows a period of heightened tension between the ICC and the United States. The US, which is not a member of the court, has been critical of its actions, including arrest warrants against Israeli officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated criticism, calling some involved with the ICC "lunatics and crazies."

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Mr Khan will challenge the lawfulness and fairness of the decision through all available legal mechanisms.

The US has previously imposed sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors, including Khan. The allegations against Khan stem from a decision by the court's oversight body, which concluded he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior lawyer. Khan's accuser recently spoke publicly, repeating her allegations.

The dismissal triggers an election process for a new prosecutor, who is not expected to be in place before next year. Active ICC warrants will remain in effect, as only ICC judges can withdraw them.

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lunatics and crazies involved in the ICC