THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The top prosecutor at the International Criminal Court has been removed from his duties in a historic first for the international tribunal, as oversight officials moved forward with disciplinary action against Karim Khan following sexual misconduct accusations.
The 56-year-old British attorney faces claims of inappropriate sexual behavior involving a female staff member, a controversy that has persisted for over two years. Khan has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The Assembly of States Parties, which serves as the ICC’s governing authority, will now determine Khan’s future through a special meeting to assess whether he should continue leading the international court.
Officials from the Bureau of the Assembly of States parties explained their choice was informed by multiple sources of information, stating it was “based on the report of an investigation undertaken by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions.”
The bureau emphasized that Khan’s temporary removal while awaiting the assembly’s decision “is not an indication of the final outcome.”
United Nations investigators discovered proof that Khan engaged in “nonconsensual sexual contact with (the aide) in his office, at his private residence, and whilst on mission,” based on their report obtained by The Associated Press. Despite these findings, a three-member judicial panel reviewing the evidence determined the investigation lacked sufficient conclusiveness.
Khan’s attorneys indicated they would release a public response on Tuesday when approached for their reaction.
Khan had previously stepped aside voluntarily in May 2025 while the investigation continued. This situation marks the first of its kind for the ICC, forcing the Assembly of States Parties to develop new procedures to handle the unprecedented circumstances.
The accusations against Khan were initially brought to the court’s independent oversight office more than two years ago. An Associated Press review uncovered claims that Khan spotted the woman in a different ICC division and transferred her to his office. Documents from whistleblowers indicate she subsequently became a frequent companion on official travel.
During one international trip, Khan reportedly invited her to lie down with him on a hotel bed before “sexually touched her,” according to the documentation. Additional alleged inappropriate actions described in the records included securing his office door and placing his hand in her pocket. He also reportedly made multiple requests for her to join him on personal vacation trips.
The Assembly of States Parties holds exclusive power to dismiss Khan from his position, which would require majority approval through confidential voting among its 125 member nations. Removing him would need support from sixty-three countries.
While no specific date has been announced for the assembly meeting, officials confirmed it will take place at the earliest opportunity.
