Anna Holligan

The member states of the International Criminal Court voted by 82 votes to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan over findings that he engaged in serious sexual misconduct toward a junior staff member and attempted to interfere with the complaint. Khan denies all allegations, and his lawyer says they will challenge the decision through available legal avenues. The case followed investigations by an independent ICC body and the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, amid criticism of how the process was handled. Khan had already been on leave and suspended from legal practice in the United Kingdom. His removal comes as the ICC faces mounting pressure from the United States over its investigation into alleged war crimes in Gaza and arrest warrants sought for Israeli leaders, raising concerns about the court's credibility, strength and future.

The member states of the International Criminal Court voted 82–0 to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan over findings that he engaged in serious misconduct by maintaining an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior employee and attempting to obstruct her complaint. Khan denies the allegations, while his lawyers have called the suspension unlawful and procedurally unfair. The decision follows investigations by the ICC’s oversight bodies and the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, which reviewed more than 5,000 pages of evidence. The case has deepened divisions within the court and comes amid an aggressive U.S. campaign to weaken or dismantle the ICC after Khan sought arrest warrants for Israeli officials over alleged crimes in Gaza, raising concerns about the institution’s future effectiveness.

International Criminal Court member states voted 82-0 to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan over findings of serious misconduct involving an improper relationship with a junior staff member and attempts to prevent her complaint from proceeding. Khan denies the allegations and plans to challenge the decision. The removal follows investigations by the ICC’s oversight body and the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, amid criticism of the process and intense political pressure on the court, including US sanctions against Khan and a campaign by Washington to weaken the ICC. Supporters fear the controversy could leave the court less capable of prosecuting major war crimes.