The ICC has suspended Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan while investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority continue. A subgroup of the court's oversight body has referred the matter to the ICC's 125 member states, which will meet in a special session to consider the case. The OIOS probe produced over 5,000 pages of evidence and was reviewed by a three-judge panel; a two‑thirds majority of states would be required to uphold any finding before a removal vote. Khan denies the allegations and may appeal any dismissal to the ILOAT.
ICC Suspends Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Pending Misconduct Probe — Member States to Vote
[Reuters]
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan with immediate effect while investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority continue. A subgroup of the court's management oversight body referred the matter to the ICC's 125 member states, which will meet in a special session "as soon as possible" to consider the case.
What Happened
The oversight Bureau stressed that the suspension does not presuppose guilt. Khan has strongly denied the allegations; his lawyers described the suspension as "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence." Media reports have cited documents alleging unwanted sexual touching and other forms of abuse.
Investigations and Findings
The first report of alleged sexual misconduct involving a female staff member was made to the ICC in May 2024 by a third party. The court's Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) opened an inquiry that was later closed after the alleged victim declined to participate; investigators said there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.
A second referral in October 2024 led to a broader probe by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). That investigation ran from November 2024 to December 2025 and produced more than 5,000 pages of evidence and testimony. The OIOS findings were reviewed by a three-judge panel, which advised the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) on whether Khan's conduct amounted to serious misconduct, less serious misconduct, or no misconduct.
Political Context and Pressure on the Court
The allegations and subsequent process have unfolded amid intense scrutiny of the ICC. Some staff in the Office of the Prosecutor have warned that Khan's return could undermine confidence in the institution and raised concerns about potential retaliation. Supporters of Khan say the investigations failed to substantiate the accusations.
The controversy has also intersected with broader geopolitical tensions. The United States imposed sanctions on Khan after he sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes related to the war in Gaza. Those sanctions were later expanded to include other ICC officials, judges and organisations that had cooperated with the court. (The United States, Russia and Israel are not ICC members, though the court can exercise jurisdiction over crimes committed by their nationals on the territory of ICC member states.)
Next Steps and Legal Options
If member states move to uphold any finding of misconduct they must do so by a two-thirds majority, after which a separate vote would determine whether Khan should be removed from office. Khan, who has been on voluntary leave since May 2025, can challenge any removal before the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization (ILOAT). Such a legal appeal could be lengthy and potentially result in reinstatement or compensation if procedural flaws are identified.
Lawyers for Khan: "The decision is unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence."
Senior court officials and member states now face a politically and legally fraught process as they prepare for the special ASP session to consider Khan's fate.
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