ICC removes chief prosecutor over sexual misconduct allegations

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), British barrister Karim Khan, was removed from his post on Friday. This decision comes nearly two years after allegations of sexual misconduct against him first emerged. A significant majority of the ICC's 125 member states voted to oust Khan, citing "serious misconduct and serious breach of duty," according to the court's oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties.

The protracted and complex process has created divisions among human rights advocates, staff, and member states. This occurs at a time when the ICC faces considerable challenges, including a campaign by the United States to undermine the court, which was established to prosecute individuals responsible for the world's most heinous crimes. The oversight body must now organize elections to appoint a new prosecutor, who will likely face sanctions from the Trump administration.

Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, stated, "The ICC should hold itself to the highest standards. This includes ensuring a safe workplace with effective and credible mechanisms available to staff or others who experience abuse, including sexual violence or harassment." The 56-year-old Khan was accused of a sexual relationship with a female aide, as detailed in Associated Press reports. Khan has consistently denied these allegations. Documents obtained by the AP suggest Khan engaged in a sexual relationship and attempted to prevent the woman from pursuing her claims.

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The ICC should hold itself to the highest standards. This includes ensuring a safe workplace with effective and credible mechanisms available to staff or others who experience abuse, including sexual violence or harassment.

Khan's legal team criticized the proceedings, arguing he was denied a fair opportunity to be heard and that the regulations were altered to his disadvantage. Attorney Tayab Ali stated, "Khan’s removal was determined by a process in which he was never given a fair opportunity to be heard, and in defiance of the conclusions of the independent judges who examined the full evidential record." Khan's legal team intends to challenge the decision through all available legal avenues.

This decision arrives as the global tribunal faces immense pressure. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a "sweeping campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the International Criminal Court to U.S. sovereignty." Rubio indicated he would encourage member states to withdraw from the ICC, impose sanctions on organizations collaborating with the court, and prohibit staff travel to the United States. Countries receiving U.S. security assistance will be urged to reject the court's jurisdiction over American citizens.

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Khan’s removal was determined by a process in which he was never given a fair opportunity to be heard, and in defiance of the conclusions of the independent judges who examined the full evidential record.