ICC Chief Prosecutor Suspended Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The Hague, Netherlands – The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, faces suspension following allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide. The court’s oversight body referred the British barrister for disciplinary proceedings, marking an unprecedented situation.

Khan, 56, has denied the allegations that have persisted for over two years. The Assembly of States Parties, which supervises the ICC, will hold a special session to determine Khan’s future at the court.

The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, the court’s executive committee, issued a statement explaining its decision. It cited the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) investigation, evidence, expert panel advice, and written submissions as grounds for Khan’s suspension. The statement clarified that this action does not predict the final outcome.

The U.N. investigation uncovered evidence suggesting Khan engaged in nonconsensual sexual contact with the aide in various settings. However, a three-judge panel assigned for legal assessment deemed the investigation inconclusive. Khan’s legal team mentioned they would release a statement soon.

Khan had previously stepped down temporarily in May 2025 due to the ongoing investigation. This situation is a first for the ICC, prompting the Assembly of States Parties to devise new rules to manage the matter.

The allegations emerged over two years ago, initially reported to the court’s independent watchdog. An AP investigation indicated that Khan relocated the aide from another ICC department to his office, where she joined him on official trips. Documents from whistleblowers suggest inappropriate behavior, such as asking her to share a hotel bed and unwarranted physical contact. Khan also allegedly invited her on a private vacation.

Only a majority vote in a secret ballot among the 125-member Assembly of States Parties can remove Khan. Sixty-three votes would be essential for his removal. No specific date for the special session has been set, but the assembly intends to convene it promptly.