Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.), has been suspended while the court’s member states deliberate on potential disciplinary actions. This suspension adds to the turmoil the institution has faced in the past two years.
The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the court, declared its decision regarding allegations of sexual misconduct against Mr. Khan. However, they opted to keep both the decision and associated documents confidential. The full assembly is now tasked with further disciplinary proceedings.
A source revealed that a substantial number of bureau members concluded that Mr. Khan, who was already on voluntary leave, engaged in serious misconduct. Although the decision marks progress, it remains uncertain whether Mr. Khan will retain his position at the court. Court rules dictate that he can only be removed if a majority of the Assembly of States Parties both finds him guilty of serious misconduct and votes for his removal.
Reuters reported a statement from Mr. Khan’s legal team, refuting any misconduct and labeling the decision as “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.” Under the court’s rules, suspension is permissible pending a final disciplinary decision if the accusations are “of a sufficiently serious nature.” Nonetheless, the bureau emphasized that the suspension does not determine the disciplinary process’s outcome.