Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been temporarily suspended following allegations of sexual misconduct and serious professional misconduct. The ICC’s governing body, based in The Hague, Netherlands, formally announced this decision on Monday night after a lengthy investigation and internal disciplinary hearing concerning the British lawyer. The Guardian reported this news. This marks the first time in the history of this supreme court—which adjudicates war crimes and crimes against humanity—that a Chief Prosecutor has been suspended in such a manner.
A confidential court document obtained by The Guardian reveals that the executive committee, comprising representatives from 21 ICC member states, found Karim Khan guilty through a “qualified majority” vote. The committee stated clearly that the investigation uncovered evidence substantiating the allegations of sexual misconduct and serious misconduct against him. This disciplinary action was taken based on a joint investigation report by an independent UN oversight body and a special panel of international judicial experts; the committee also reviewed written statements from both the complainant and Karim Khan.
From hotel rooms to the office—what were the allegations? These sensational allegations against the renowned British lawyer first surfaced in late 2024. A female staff member working under Karim Khan at the ICC headquarters in The Hague filed the complaint. According to the complaint, between 2023 and 2024, the woman was subjected to forced and non-consensual sexual behavior by Karim Khan in hotel rooms, his office, and even his private residence during official trips to various countries. The victim alleged that this mental and physical abuse was perpetrated over a prolonged period through an abuse of power.
Karim Khan’s categorical denial: From the outset, Karim Khan and his legal team have dismissed all claims as baseless and politically motivated. His lawyers have reiterated that Khan categorically denies the allegations of harassing or abusing any staff member. He never abused the power of his office nor engaged in any conduct that could be deemed coercive, exploitative, or professionally inappropriate.
Karim Khan gained international prominence after successfully applying for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The United States expressed outrage when the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued the warrant for Netanyahu; shortly thereafter, Khan faced sanctions from the U.S., a close ally of Israel.
ICC Prosecutor Facing Potential Removal: The ICC’s governing body stated that the current suspension is temporary and not a final verdict. However, given the complexity of the situation, the executive committee has voted to refer the entire matter to the general assembly of the ICC’s 125 member states. A special session of member states will be convened soon to decide, through a final vote, whether Karim Khan should be permanently removed from office. This legal complication has caused turbulence within the ICC’s prosecution division. Notably, Karim Khan is already set to retire voluntarily in May 2025.
