ICC’s Karim Khan Faces Suspension Over Misconduct Allegations

The embattled chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, has been suspended from his duties. This follows the court’s oversight body’s decision to refer him for disciplinary proceedings. The 56-year-old British barrister faces allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide, which he denies. These allegations have persisted for over two years.

The final decision regarding Khan’s position with the ICC lies with the Assembly of States Parties. This body will hold a special session to determine if Khan can continue his role at the global court. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, the executive committee of the court’s oversight body, explained its decision in a statement. The decision was based on a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) investigation report, supporting evidence, advice from an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions. The statement clarified that Khan’s suspension before the assembly meeting “does not indicate the final outcome.”

The U.N. investigation uncovered evidence suggesting Khan had “nonconsensual sexual contact” with the aide in various settings, including his office and private residence. The Associated Press reviewed a copy of this report. However, a three-judge panel tasked with assessing the findings concluded that the investigation lacked conclusiveness. Khan’s legal team intends to release a statement on the matter soon.

Khan voluntarily stepped down temporarily in May 2025, pending the investigation’s resolution. This situation is unprecedented for the ICC, causing the Assembly of States Parties to establish new procedures to handle the situation.

The allegations against Khan first surfaced more than two years ago, reported to the court’s independent watchdog. An AP investigation highlighted that Khan allegedly transferred the woman from another ICC department to his office, where she became a frequent participant in official trips. Whistleblower documents detailed an incident on a foreign trip where Khan reportedly asked her to rest with him on a hotel bed and “sexually touched her.” Other allegations included Khan locking his office door and sticking his hand in her pocket, and repeatedly inviting her on a vacation.

Only the Assembly of States Parties can remove Khan from office. Such a decision requires a majority in a secret ballot among its 125 member states, meaning 63 countries must support his removal. No date for this session has been set, but the assembly committed to convening it promptly.