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ICC suspends top prosecutor pending investigation
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, with immediate effect while allegations of misconduct are examined. The decision, announced by the court's oversight body, does not preempt the outcome of the case.
Member states to vote on Khan's future
The ICC's Bureau has referred the matter to its 125 member states, which will convene a special session to vote on Khan's status. A two-thirds majority would be required to uphold any findings, followed by a separate vote on his potential removal from office.
Khan, a British lawyer, has been on voluntary leave since May 2025 to contest the allegations. His legal team has dismissed the suspension as "unlawful, procedurally unfair, and unsupported by evidence," while Khan himself has denied all accusations of sexual misconduct.
Allegations and investigation timeline
Reports suggest the accusations include unwanted sexual touching and abuse of authority. The case stems from a 2024 complaint involving a female ICC staff member, initially investigated by the court's Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM). The probe was closed after the alleged victim declined to participate, drawing criticism from observers who argued the process was mishandled.
A second referral in October 2024 led to a broader inquiry by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), which reviewed allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority between November 2024 and December 2025. The investigation produced over 5,000 pages of evidence and testimony.
A panel of three judges later assessed the OIOS findings and advised the Bureau on whether Khan's conduct constituted serious misconduct.
Institutional and political fallout
The controversy has intensified scrutiny of the ICC, with staff in Khan's office warning that his return could erode confidence in the institution and raise concerns about potential retaliation. Supporters, however, argue the investigation failed to substantiate the allegations.
The case has unfolded amid broader political tensions. The U.S. imposed sanctions on Khan in 2024 after he sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The sanctions were later expanded to include ICC judges and Palestinian organizations that provided evidence to the court.
The U.S., Russia, and Israel are not ICC members, but the court can investigate crimes committed by their nationals on the territory of member states.
Potential legal challenges ahead
If member states vote to remove Khan, he could appeal the decision before the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization (ILOAT). A successful challenge could result in reinstatement and significant compensation if the tribunal finds flaws in the disciplinary process.
"This suspension does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation," the ICC Bureau stated.
