The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has been suspended from his duties after the court’s oversight body launched disciplinary proceedings over allegations of sexual misconduct.
The decision was announced on Monday by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, the ICC’s executive committee, following a review of findings from a United Nations investigation.
Khan, a 56-year-old British barrister, faces allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female aide. He has consistently denied the claims.
According to the Associated Press, a copy of the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) report said investigators found evidence suggesting Khan engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with the staff member at his office, residence and during official travel.
The Bureau said its decision was based on the OIOS report, supporting evidence, advice from an ad hoc panel of judicial experts and written submissions. It stressed that the suspension does not determine the final outcome of the case.
The allegations first emerged more than two years ago and triggered a UN investigation. However, a three-judge panel reviewing the findings concluded that the evidence was not sufficiently conclusive.
Khan had already stepped aside temporarily in May 2025 while the investigation was ongoing.
The Assembly of States Parties, which represents the ICC’s 125 member states, will now decide whether he can remain in office. A special session is expected soon, although no date has been set.
Only the Assembly has the authority to remove the prosecutor. Such a decision would require a majority vote in a secret ballot, with at least 63 member states needed to support dismissal.
The allegations also include claims that Khan transferred the woman into his office from another department and that she frequently travelled with him on official trips.
Whistleblower documents further cite allegations of inappropriate conduct during foreign travel and at the prosecutor’s office.
Khan’s legal team said it will issue a formal response on Tuesday.
