ICC Prosecutor's Office Vows to Continue Investigations After Chief Prosecutor's Dismissal

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the independence of its investigations, which encompass sensitive situations in Palestine and Afghanistan. In a statement following the dismissal of Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, the office assured victims, affected communities, and civil society organizations of its dedication to conducting impartial investigations and trials for the most serious crimes.

Khan's removal from office, decided by the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC, will not lead to the automatic closure of any ongoing investigations or the withdrawal of existing arrest warrants. These include warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which were approved by a judicial panel during Khan's tenure.

The Prosecutor's Office emphasized that its activities continue without interruption. It also reiterated its strict zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct, vowing to foster a respectful, safe, and inclusive work environment. Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameen Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang will continue to lead the institution's management and administration, having assumed these responsibilities after Khan stepped aside in May 2025 during the investigation into alleged inappropriate sexual behavior.

The disciplinary proceedings against Khan were initiated after an investigation by the UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) into accusations by a female staff member. She alleged non-consensual sexual contact between March 2023 and April 2024. The Assembly of States Parties, comprising nations that have ratified the Rome Statute, voted to dismiss Khan, citing a "grave misconduct and a serious breach of his duties."