ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended from his post
This has been reported by the ICC’s governing body. A final decision on Khan’s future is to be taken by the States Parties to the Rome Statute.
Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, has been suspended from his post.
The decision was taken by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute. It came into effect immediately.
The Bureau concluded that the matter should be referred to all 125 States Parties to the ICC for consideration. They are to vote on Khan’s future at a special session, the date of which will be determined later.
Why Khan was suspended
The decision relates to allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour towards a female member of his staff.
According to Reuters, a diplomatic source briefed on the decision said that the ICC’s governing body’s bureau had deemed Khan’s actions a “serious breach” following an investigation. The agency reported that the bureau also recommended his removal from office.
The disciplinary proceedings are linked to an investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services. The final decision on his possible dismissal is to be taken by the Assembly of States Parties.
What Khan says
Karim Khan denies the allegations.
His lawyers have stated that he “categorically rejects” the decision to suspend him and does not admit to any wrongdoing.
In a statement quoted by Reuters, Khan’s defence team described the decision as “illegal, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence”.
When the case began
The allegations against Khan became public in 2024.
In May 2025, he took administrative leave and temporarily suspended his duties for the duration of the investigation.
The case has been ongoing for over two years, and the final decision on his status is to be made not by the Bureau, but by all ICC member states.
Khan and the ICC’s high-profile warrants
Karim Khan has headed the ICC Office of the Prosecutor since 2021.
It was during his tenure that the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in the case concerning the deportation of Ukrainian children.
In 2024, the ICC also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Galant. These decisions have been among the most high-profile in the court’s work in recent years.
Who is currently handling ICC cases
Following Khan’s departure on administrative leave, the management of the ICC Prosecutor’s Office’s ongoing cases was handed over to his deputies.
His suspension does not mean the automatic termination of cases currently before the ICC.
The final decision regarding Khan will be taken by the States Parties to the Rome Statute.
The key question now is whether the Assembly of States Parties will support his removal from office or take a different decision following the disciplinary proceedings.
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