ICC top prosecutor suspended over sexual misconduct allegations

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended with immediate effect while investigations into misconduct allegations against him continue.

The decision was taken by a bureau within the ICC’s management oversight structure and has now been referred to the court’s 125 member states.

The member states are expected to meet at a special session, to be convened as soon as possible, to determine Khan’s future.

The oversight body said the suspension should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.

Khan, a prominent British lawyer, has repeatedly denied allegations of sexual misconduct.

His lawyers have described the suspension as unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.

Media reports have previously referred to a document containing allegations against him, including claims of unwanted sexual touching and abuse.

Any finding against Khan would require the support of a two-thirds majority of member states.

A separate vote would then be needed to decide whether he should be removed from office.

Khan has been on voluntary leave since May 2025 while contesting the allegations.

The controversy dates back to May 2024, when allegations involving a female staff member were reported to the ICC by a third party.

The court’s Independent Oversight Mechanism opened an inquiry into the matter.

That investigation was later closed after the alleged victim declined to participate.

Investigators said there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims.

The handling of that first process drew criticism from some observers, who argued that it had damaged confidence in the oversight mechanism.

A second referral was made in October 2024.

The matter was then transferred to the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, which carried out a broader investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority.

That inquiry ran from November 2024 to December 2025 and produced more than 5,000 pages of evidence and testimony.

The findings were later reviewed by a three-judge panel asked to advise the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties.

The judges were tasked with assessing whether Khan’s conduct amounted to serious misconduct, less serious misconduct, or no misconduct.

Whatever decision the member states reach, the case is expected to keep the ICC under scrutiny after a lengthy and highly sensitive process.