ICC Suspends Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Amid Sexual Misconduct Inquiry

Sat Jun 13 2026 12:57:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The International Criminal Court has suspended chief prosecutor Karim Khan pending investigation into sexual misconduct allegations, sparking debate on governance and accountability.

The ICC's chief prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended effective immediately as investigations into alleged sexual misconduct continue. A special session of the 125 member states is slated to decide his future while the investigation remains inconclusive. Khan, a former British lawyer, has denied the claims, calling the process unlawful and unsupported by evidence. The case underscores tensions within the court’s oversight mechanisms and its broader political legitimacy.

ICC Suspends Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Amid Sexual Misconduct Inquiry

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, with immediate effect while an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct is ongoing.

The decision, taken by a body within the ICC’s management oversight, will be presented to the 125 member states in a special session scheduled for “as soon as possible.” The oversight bureau stresses that the suspension does not prejudice the final outcome of the case.

Khan has denied all misconduct allegations and his legal team describes the move as “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.” Yet a two-thirds majority vote is required to adjudicate the nature of any misconduct and a separate vote will decide whether he should be removed from office.

The allegations trace back to a May 2024 report of sexual misconduct involving a female staff member. The Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) opened an inquiry, but it was closed after the alleged victim declined to co‑operate. Critics argued the investigation was mishandled, undermining confidence in the IOM.

In October 2024 a second referral was made, and the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) undertook a broader probe that produced over five thousand pages of evidence. A panel of three judges reviewed OIOS findings to advise the Bureau on whether Khan’s conduct amounts to serious misconduct, less serious misconduct, or no misconduct.

Meanwhile, the ICC’s internal staff have warned that Khan’s return could damage confidence in the institution, while supporters argue the investigation failed to establish evidence against him. The controversy unfolded amid broader political tensions, as the United States had imposed sanctions on Khan after his pursuit of arrest warrants for Israeli officials linked to alleged crimes in Gaza.

If the Administrative and Supportive Procedures (ASP) move to remove Khan, he could lodge a challenge at the International Labour Organization Administrative Tribunal (ILOAT), which could lead to reinstatement and compensation if procedural faults were found.

Beyond the legal debate, the ICC’s suspension highlights ongoing scrutiny of the Court’s governance. The virtual space of the ICC will host a live press conference on 14 June where avatars may join the discussion, ask questions in real time, and observe the proceedings from within the court’s digital environment. Log into your Metaverse identity to participate: Meet the ICC in Virtual Reality.