ICC members vote to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan

Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have voted to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from his post following accusations of sexual harassment. The vote, which saw 82 out of 125 member states in favor of his dismissal, was announced by the United Nations, with which the ICC has a cooperation agreement.

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Mr Khan will challenge the decision's legality and fairness through all available legal options.

The ICC member states are expected to begin the process of selecting a new prosecutor soon. Meanwhile, Khan's lawyer, Tayab Ali, stated on social media that his client denies the accusations and intends to challenge the legality and fairness of the decision through all available legal avenues.

Denmark, along with France, Norway, and the Netherlands, had previously indicated their intention to vote for Khan's removal. Khan had been suspended from his duties in June pending the member states' vote, following an 18-month investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against a lawyer employed in his office.

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A violation of international law and proof of Russia's contempt for diplomatic representations and civilian lives.

In separate news, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen strongly condemned a Russian attack on Latvia's honorary consulate in the Ukrainian city of Sloviansk. The attack, which involved two aerial bombs, killed five people and injured nine others, damaging several buildings including the consulate. Rasmussen described the act as a violation of international law and a demonstration of Russia's disregard for diplomatic representations and civilian lives.

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Denmark stands with Latvia and Ukraine.