ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Suspended Pending Disciplinary Vote
Khan rejects the move as unlawful and politically motivated, while the Assembly of States Parties prepares for a secret ballot that could remove him from office.
The International Criminal Court’s governing body has suspended Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from his duties following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties confirmed on Monday that it will refer the matter to disciplinary proceedings before the court’s 125 member states, who will vote on Khan’s fate in a special session.
The Bureau, which serves as the executive committee of the oversight body, stated that the decision was based on a United Nations investigation report, advice from an ad hoc panel of judicial experts, and written submissions. However, the Bureau emphasised that both the decision and related documentation would remain confidential, offering no further details on the specific findings that triggered the suspension.
Khan, 56, has strongly rejected the suspension, describing it as unlawful, procedurally unfair, and unsupported by evidence. His legal team reiterated his denial of any wrongdoing, maintaining that the misconduct probe is a politically motivated smear campaign. Khan has been on voluntary leave since last May while the inquiry proceeded.
The allegations stem from claims made by a female aide. A United Nations probe identified a factual basis for the allegations, but a three-judge panel selected by the executive committee concluded that the investigation was not conclusive. According to legal advisers, the judges unanimously determined that the factual findings did not establish misconduct or a breach of duty.
Khan is the first ICC prosecutor to be formally suspended by the oversight body. Only the Assembly of States Parties holds the authority to remove him from office, requiring a majority vote of 63 member states in a secret ballot. The suspension is expected to have little practical impact on court operations, as Khan has already been removed from pleading in the high-profile case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. No date has been set for the special session vote.
