ICC Suspends Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended chief prosecutor Karim Khan following the completion of a disciplinary review connected to allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision was taken by the court’s governing body, which has now referred the matter to all 125 member states for further consideration.
Khan, who has led the ICC prosecution office since 2021, had already stepped aside from his duties in 2025 while the investigation was underway. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintains that the accusations against him are unfounded.
Member States to Decide Khan’s Future
The ICC’s executive committee determined that the case should move to a special session involving all member states. That meeting could ultimately result in a vote on whether Khan should remain in office or be formally removed.
Officials emphasized that the suspension should not be viewed as a final judgment. They said the decision was based on findings from a United Nations oversight investigation, expert legal advice, and submissions from both sides involved in the case.
Allegations Date Back to 2023 and 2024
The accusations were first raised in 2024 by a female staff member who alleged that Khan engaged in coercive and non-consensual sexual behavior during the period between 2023 and 2024. The alleged incidents reportedly took place during official trips and at locations connected to his work and personal residence.
Khan’s legal team has repeatedly rejected the allegations, stating that he never abused his authority or engaged in inappropriate conduct.
The case has become one of the most significant internal crises in the history of the International Criminal Court and is expected to remain under close scrutiny as member states prepare to review the matter.
