ICC Members Vote to Remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan

Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan following findings that he committed serious misconduct linked to sexual misconduct allegations.

Khan, who became the court's third chief prosecutor in 2021, was suspended last month. At a special session in New York, the Assembly of States Parties, representing the ICC's 125 member states, voted 82-0 in favour of dismissing him.

The court's oversight body concluded in June that Khan had committed a "serious breach of duty and serious misconduct" by engaging in an improper sexual relationship with a junior staff member and attempting to prevent her from pursuing her complaint.

ICC members back dismissal

Khan has consistently denied the allegations. His lawyer said he would challenge what he described as the "lawfulness and fairness" of the decision through all available legal means. It remains unclear what legal options are still available following his dismissal.

In a statement after the vote, the ICC acknowledged the decision of its member states and said it remained committed to maintaining "a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment for all personnel".

Long-running investigation

The allegations against Khan first surfaced in May 2024, when claims of sexual misconduct involving a female staff member were reported to the ICC by a third party.

The court's Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) initially opened an investigation but later closed the case after the alleged victim chose not to participate. Critics said the handling of the investigation damaged confidence in the oversight process, while investigators said there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegations.

A second referral was made in October 2024, prompting the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) to launch a wider investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority.

The inquiry, which ran from November 2024 until December 2025, examined more than 5,000 pages of evidence and witness testimony. Its findings were later reviewed by a panel of three judges, who advised on whether Khan's conduct amounted to serious misconduct.

Khan has been on voluntary leave since May 2025 while contesting the allegations. He also remains suspended from practising law in the UK after the Bar Standards Board imposed an interim ban during its own investigation.

Court faces wider political pressure

Khan was unable to attend the vote at United Nations headquarters because he is barred from entering the United States under sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.

Those sanctions followed Khan's decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes connected to the war in Gaza.

The case has unfolded during a period of mounting political pressure on the ICC, with supporters warning the controversy could weaken the world's only permanent international war crimes tribunal.

Earlier this month, the United States announced a wider campaign to dismantle the court "brick by brick", describing it as a threat to US sovereignty. The measures include visa restrictions, asset freezes and diplomatic pressure on allies to withdraw from the ICC or reject its jurisdiction over their nationals.

The United States, Russia and Israel are not members of the ICC. However, the court can exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed by their nationals on the territory of ICC member states.

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25 July 2026