THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Britain’s legal regulator has upheld the suspension of International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan over allegations of sexual misconduct, adding to uncertainty over the leadership of the world’s permanent war crimes tribunal.
The Bar Standards Board announced Tuesday that Khan will remain suspended from practicing law in the United Kingdom while disciplinary proceedings continue. The decision comes as the ICC’s governing body prepares to vote later this month on whether he should remain in office.
UK Disciplinary Case Continues
Khan, 56, has denied allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former female aide.
The Bar Standards Board suspended him in June after receiving a complaint, describing the measure as one reserved for “very serious and urgent cases.” Following a hearing last week, the regulator confirmed Tuesday that the suspension would remain in place while the disciplinary process continues.
Lawyers representing Khan did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
ICC Leadership Faces Uncertainty
The ICC’s oversight body is expected to decide later this month whether Khan should remain as chief prosecutor or be removed from office.
Based in The Hague, the court serves as a tribunal of last resort for cases involving genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression when national authorities are unwilling or unable to prosecute them.
The decision could shape the court’s leadership at a time of growing political and diplomatic pressure.
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U.S. Steps Up Pressure on the ICC
The disciplinary case comes as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies its campaign against the court.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Monday that Washington was launching what he described as a “sweeping campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the International Criminal Court to U.S. sovereignty.”
Rubio said the United States would encourage the ICC’s 125 member states to withdraw from the court, impose sanctions on organizations that cooperate with the tribunal and restrict travel to the United States for ICC personnel. He also said countries benefiting from U.S. security guarantees would be urged to reject the court’s jurisdiction over American citizens.
Existing Sanctions Remain
The Trump administration has already imposed sanctions on Khan and 12 other ICC officials following arrest warrants issued for senior Israeli officials over the war in Gaza and investigations involving U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.
Together, the disciplinary proceedings and Washington’s expanding campaign have placed the ICC under simultaneous internal and external pressure as it confronts questions over its leadership and future operations.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: International Criminal Court | Karim Khan | United Kingdom | United States | Marco Rubio | International Justice | The Hague
