In brief
After a 82‑vote majority, the International Criminal Court (ICC) dismissed its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, who faced serious misconduct accusations involving an alleged sexual relationship with a junior staff member. Khan, who has denied the claims, was suspended in May 2025 and ordered by the court’s oversight body to step aside pending a full investigation. The dismissal raises questions about the ICC’s governance and the effectiveness of its internal accountability mechanisms. Parallel geopolitical pressure—including U.S. sanctions and attempts to undermine the court—has intensified the scrutiny of this high‑profile case.
Members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have voted to dismiss Karim Khan as chief prosecutor for alleged sexual misconduct.
With a decisive vote of 82 for dismissal, the Assembly of States Parties – the body of 125 member states – ended Khan’s tenure that began in 2021.
The court’s oversight body concluded that Khan had committed a “serious breach of duty and serious misconduct” by engaging in an improper sexual relationship with a junior ICC staff member and attempting to block her complaint.
Khan repeatedly denies the accusations. His legal team says they will challenge the lawfulness and fairness of the decision through all available legal mechanisms.
The debate over Khan highlights deeper tensions within the ICC, including a broader campaign aimed at weakening and dismantling the institution.
In 2025 the United States imposed sanctions on Khan after he sought arrest warrants for Israeli leaders tied to alleged war crimes in Gaza, further complicating his standing. The U.S. has also launched a “whole‑of‑government” strategy to pressure allies into withdrawing from the ICC.
While the official ICC statement stresses commitment to a safe, inclusive work environment, the removal of Khan may signal vulnerabilities in the court’s governance structure.
It is still uncertain what legal resolutions remain available to Khan after his dismissal.
Karim Khan’s pursuit of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu illustrates the political stakes involved.
