THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has been suspended from his duties pending a decision by the court’s governing body on whether he can continue serving in the role, marking an unprecedented moment in the institution’s history.
The move came after the executive committee of the court’s oversight body referred British prosecutor Karim Khan for disciplinary proceedings following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former aide. Khan has consistently denied wrongdoing.
The case now moves to the Assembly of States Parties, the body representing the ICC’s 125 member states, which will convene a special session to determine Khan’s future at the court.
Oversight Body Orders Suspension
The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties announced the suspension late Monday, citing findings from an investigation conducted by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, supporting evidence reviewed during the process, recommendations from an ad hoc panel of judicial experts, and written submissions related to the case.
In its statement, the bureau emphasized that the temporary suspension should not be interpreted as a final judgment regarding the allegations or disciplinary proceedings.
Khan, 56, had already stepped aside from active duties in May 2025 while the investigation was underway.
Investigation Findings and Legal Review
According to a copy of the U.N. investigation report reviewed by The Associated Press, investigators found evidence indicating that Khan engaged in nonconsensual sexual contact with a female aide in several settings, including his office, private residence and during official travel.
However, a separate three-judge panel appointed by the oversight body’s executive committee reportedly concluded that the evidence gathered during the investigation was not sufficiently conclusive to provide a definitive legal determination.
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Khan’s legal representatives said a formal response would be issued following the suspension announcement.
Allegations Span More Than Two Years
The allegations first emerged more than two years ago when concerns were reported to the court’s independent watchdog.
An Associated Press investigation previously reported that Khan allegedly transferred the woman from another department within the court to work directly in his office. The aide subsequently became a regular participant on official international trips, according to whistleblower documents cited in the report.
Those documents included allegations that Khan engaged in unwanted physical contact during an overseas assignment. Additional claims described incidents that allegedly occurred in his office and involved requests for the aide to accompany him on a vacation.
Khan has repeatedly rejected the allegations throughout the investigation.
Assembly Holds Final Authority
Only the Assembly of States Parties has the authority to remove the chief prosecutor from office.
Any decision to dismiss Khan would require support from a majority of member states participating in a secret ballot. At least 63 countries would need to vote in favor of removal for the measure to pass.
The Assembly has not yet announced a date for the special session but said it would be convened as soon as possible.
Institution Faces Rare Governance Challenge
The proceedings represent an unusual test for the International Criminal Court, which prosecutes individuals accused of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and other serious international offenses.
According to the Associated Press, the situation has required the Assembly of States Parties to repeatedly develop new procedural rules to address questions raised by the investigation and potential disciplinary action against a sitting chief prosecutor.
The upcoming session is expected to determine whether Khan remains in office or whether the court will begin the process of selecting new prosecutorial leadership.
Tags: International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, Netherlands, United Nations, Assembly of States Parties
