The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, following a disciplinary process into sexual misconduct allegations. The ICC's governing body announced the decision on Monday after its executive committee voted to refer the case to a special session of member states.
Khan, a prominent British lawyer, has repeatedly denied the allegations, which first emerged in 2024. The claims were brought by a female staff member who alleged coercive and nonconsensual sexual behaviour between 2023 and 2024, occurring in hotel rooms, his office, and his home.
The executive committee, comprising 21 member states, voted by qualified majority that Khan committed serious misconduct, based on a UN watchdog report and advice from a panel of judicial experts. The decision to refer the matter to the ICC's 125 member states is unprecedented and could lead to a vote on his removal.
In a statement, the governing body said the suspension was 'not an indication of the final outcome'. Khan had already temporarily stepped aside from his prosecutorial duties. His lawyers have previously stated he 'categorically denies' any harassment or misuse of authority.
