The International Criminal Court (ICC) has voted to remove its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, over alleged sexual misconduct. The decision by the court's oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties, passed with 82 votes in favour of his removal. Päivi Kaukoranta, the body's president, stated that the assembly concluded Mr Khan had committed "serious misconduct and serious breach of duty."
According to court documents, Mr Khan engaged in a sexual relationship with a female aide and allegedly attempted to prevent her from pursuing her allegations. Mr Khan, 56, denies all claims against him and disputes the findings. The allegations have become intertwined with the court's ongoing investigations, including those concerning the war in Gaza and US personnel in Afghanistan, which have drawn criticism and sanctions from the United States.
The process has been described as lengthy and complicated, pitting human rights advocates, staff, and member states against one another at a time when the court faces challenges, including a campaign by the United States to undermine the institution. The Trump administration previously imposed sanctions on Mr Khan and other ICC staff in response to arrest warrants issued for top Israeli officials. Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, stated that Mr Khan's pursuit of warrants against Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was an attempt to distract from the misconduct allegations.
Mr Khan's removal will not immediately impact arrest warrants issued in 2024 for Israeli officials, as these can only be withdrawn by ICC judges. Lawyers for the ousted chief prosecutor have called his suspension "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence."
Earlier this month, Britain's legal watchdog upheld a suspension for Mr Khan, barring him from practicing law in the UK. The UK's Bar Standards Board had initially suspended Mr Khan in June, a measure taken in "very serious and urgent cases" following a complaint. Disciplinary proceedings are currently underway.
Two women have publicly shared allegations against Mr Khan. An ICC employee, identified as Sarah, told CNN that Mr Khan's behavior escalated into "encroachments on the boundaries slowly – not just physically, but emotionally as well." Sarah alleged that during an official visit to Colombia, Mr Khan entered her hotel room and inappropriately touched her while she feigned sleep, stating, "There is no way for something to be consensual when you have such a power disparity."
A second woman, known by the pseudonym Patricia, who had worked for Mr Khan earlier in his career, also spoke to CNN. She alleged that while working as an intern in 2009, she was subjected to constant advances, including groping and unwanted physical contact, when working at his house.
Mr Khan was elected as the ICC's third prosecutor in 2021. He was suspended in June amid the misconduct claims. His removal marks an unprecedented development for the court, established to prosecute individuals responsible for the gravest international crimes.