ICC Chief Prosecutor Faces Suspension Amid Misconduct Allegations
The Hague, Netherlands — The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has been found to have engaged in “serious misconduct” following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. These findings have led the court’s oversight body to suspend him pending further disciplinary actions.
The 21-member executive committee of the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties decided on Monday to suspend Khan, a 56-year-old British barrister, and initiate additional disciplinary proceedings. Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing related to the allegations, which have persisted for over two years.
Through his legal representatives, Khan criticized the decision, describing it as “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.” His legal team has pledged to “take all necessary steps to challenge the decision, protect his rights, and ensure that due process is upheld.”
In April, a United Nations investigation reported evidence of “nonconsensual sexual contact” between Khan and a female aide. This contact allegedly occurred in various locations, including his office, private residence, and during missions, according to a report accessed by the Associated Press.
Despite these findings, a panel of three judges appointed to review the case concluded that the U.N. investigation was not sufficiently conclusive. It is important to note that the ICC functions independently of the United Nations.
Khan had already taken temporary leave in May 2025 while awaiting the investigation’s outcome. This situation is unprecedented for the ICC, prompting the creation of new regulations to address it. The announcement on Monday did not mention the alleged victim, who is also on leave from the court.
Danya Chaikel from the International Federation for Human Rights told the AP that the omission of the victim’s name highlights “the wider problem: the woman at the center of this process is almost invisible, as she has too often been throughout this process.”
The ICC’s prosecution office emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace culture, stating it was “acutely aware of the duty of care” owed to all staff and personnel.
The final determination regarding Khan’s position will be made by the Assembly of States Parties, which governs the ICC. A special session will be convened to decide if Khan can continue in his role, though no date has been set for this meeting.
ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane urged the assembly to prioritize the resolution of this matter. Khan, who has served as the court’s chief prosecutor since 2021, has faced challenges, including sanctions imposed by the Trump administration over ICC investigations concerning U.S. ally Israel.
