ICC prosecutor suspension: Karim Khan referred for discipline after misconduct findings

An oversight investigation found serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty by International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan, documents show. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties voted to suspend him and refer the case for further disciplinary proceedings. Khan, a British barrister, denies sexual misconduct allegations and is challenging the decision.

Documents reviewed by The Associated Press said an inquiry into allegations against International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan found serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties voted on Monday to suspend Khan. The move also sent the case to further disciplinary proceedings by the ICC system.

Karim Khan, a 56-year-old British barrister, has faced accusations of sexual misconduct involving a female aide. The controversy has continued for more than two years. Khan has repeatedly denied wrongdoing. Khan had already stepped aside in May 2025 while the investigation continued, as the court worked out new rules.

International Criminal Court investigation and UN findings

In April, a UN inquiry found evidence of nonconsensual sexual contact, based on a report copy. The report said the alleged conduct happened in Khan’s office and private home. It also cited an incident during an overseas mission. The ICC is not part of the United Nations system.

A three-judge panel chosen by the executive committee later reviewed the UN findings. The panel said the UN investigation did not provide conclusions that were firm enough. Even so, the executive committee proceeded with a suspension vote. The decision signalled a shift towards internal disciplinary steps.

International Criminal Court suspension decision and legal response

Through lawyers, Khan rejected the decision and disputed its basis. "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.\" The legal team said it would challenge the move and defend Khan’s rights. The lawyers also said they would act to \"ensure that due process is upheld.\"

Monday’s announcement did not name the alleged victim. Danya Chaikel of the International Federation for Human Rights said the omission reflected a wider issue. Chaikel told the AP: \"the very omission of the victims name shows the wider problem: the woman at the centre of this process is almost invisible, as she has too often been throughout this process.\"

International Criminal Court oversight and next steps

The ICC prosecution office said it recognised its duty of care to staff and personnel. It said it would keep \"critical importance\" on safe working conditions. The office also stressed a respectful workplace culture for all personnel. The aide involved has also been on leave from the court.

The final decision now rests with the Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the ICC. The assembly plans a special session to decide whether Khan can stay in the role. No date has been announced. ICC president Judge Tomoko Akane urged the assembly to treat the matter as a priority.

Khan has served as the court’s chief prosecutor since 2021. The dispute has unfolded as other pressure affected Khan’s work. The Trump administration imposed sanctions on Khan and other ICC officials. Those sanctions linked to ICC investigations involving US ally Israel.

With inputs from PTI