ICC prosecutor Karim Khan ousted after sexual‑misconduct allegations

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:08:55 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

ICC voters dismiss Karim Khan as chief prosecutor following a 82‑to‑0 vote after investigative findings ruled him in serious misconduct.

Members of the International Criminal Court voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan after a thorough investigation found he had engaged in a sexual relationship with a junior staff member and attempted to silence her complaint. Khan, who was elected to lead the court in 2021, had already been suspended and barred from practising law in the UK while the investigation proceeded. The cause of the dismissal now reflects a broader crisis at the court, with accusations of mishandling investigations and the looming threat of U.S. sanctions that could undermine the ICC’s credibility. The decision illustrates the complex interplay of legal oversight, political pressure and the imperative of ensuring a safe, respectful working environment for ICC personnel.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan ousted after sexual‑misconduct allegations

In a decisive move the International Criminal Court’s Assembly of States Parties voted by a margin of 82–0 to dismiss its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, amid findings of serious misconduct.

Khan, a British lawyer known for his high‑profile prosecutions, had been elected to the position in 2021 but was suspended last month following preliminary evidence. He has denied all allegations but announced that his legal team would pursue every available channel to challenge the removal.

The Independent Oversight Mechanism reported that Khan had entered an improper sexual relationship with a junior ICC staff member and had attempted to stop her from filing a formal complaint. A separate investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services produced over five thousand pages of testimony, reinforcing the conclusion of serious misconduct.

The removal follows a series of setbacks for the court, including U.S. sanctions that barring Khan from entering the United States and broader criticism about the ICC’s handling of investigations. These pressures coincide with an active campaign by Washington to undermine the court’s authority, which could leave the tribunal weakened in its ability to address global war crimes.

While Khan’s suspension was well‑known, the final vote highlighted the court’s intensified scrutiny and the necessity to uphold a safe, inclusive workplace environment. The outcome marks a significant moment in the ICC’s history, raising questions about how the institution will navigate future challenges and reforms.

The ICC released a statement affirming its commitment to living up to justice and respect for its personnel, noting that the assembly’s decision would be treated with the utmost importance. The entire process remains a wake‑up call for the court to reinforce integrity and accountability among its leadership.