THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has been suspended from duty with immediate effect, the court’s governing body announced on Monday.
The decision follows an 18-month investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female aide, which Khan denies.
In a statement, his legal team described the suspension as “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.”
The allegations were first reported to the ICC’s independent oversight mechanisms more than two years ago.
Khan is accused of sexually harassing a female ICC staff member over an extended period, including alleged non-consensual sexual contact in his office, private residence, and during official missions, according to a report by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) cited by the Associated Press.
Separate reporting by Reuters indicates that UN investigators found a “factual basis” for the claims. However, a later review by a panel of three judges concluded that the evidence was insufficient to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He stepped aside from his duties in May 2025 while the investigation continued. No criminal charges have been filed against him.
The Assembly of States Parties (ASP) bureau, the ICC’s oversight executive body comprising 21 members, said the suspension was adopted by a qualified majority.
The decision was based on findings from the OIOS investigation, underlying evidence, advice from an ad hoc panel of judicial experts, and written submissions submitted during the review process.
The bureau has referred the matter to the full Assembly of States Parties, where all 125 member countries are expected to deliberate further.
A final decision on removal would require a majority vote by member states, conducted through a secret ballot.
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The case will now proceed to the Assembly of States Parties for further consideration, with possible outcomes including reinstatement, continued suspension, or removal from office.
Khan, who became ICC chief prosecutor in 2021, has led several high-profile investigations, including issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The court has faced increasing political pressure, particularly from the United States, over some of its decisions. Washington has imposed sanctions on ICC officials and judges in response to certain warrants.
While 125 states are party to the ICC, including all European Union members, major powers such as the United States, Russia and Israel are not members of the court.
