ICC Suspends Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Over Misconduct Probe

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, with immediate effect, escalating a controversy that has placed the world’s foremost war crimes tribunal under intense international scrutiny.

The decision, announced by a bureau within the court’s Assembly of States Parties (ASP), comes as investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of authority against Khan continue.

The matter has now been formally referred to the ICC’s 125 member states, which are expected to convene a special session to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against the veteran British lawyer.

The bureau stressed that the suspension should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt but rather as an administrative measure intended to protect the integrity of ongoing proceedings. Khan has consistently denied all allegations against him. His legal representatives described the suspension as unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by credible evidence.

The controversy centres on allegations reportedly involving inappropriate sexual conduct and abuse of authority toward a female staff member. While earlier investigations failed to establish sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims, concerns about the handling of the process prompted a broader review by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).

That inquiry, which ran for more than a year, reportedly generated thousands of pages of testimony, documentary evidence and witness accounts.

Its findings were later examined by a panel of three judges tasked with advising the Assembly of States Parties on whether Khan’s conduct constituted serious misconduct. The eventual decision could have profound implications for the ICC.

A two-thirds majority of member states would be required to uphold any misconduct finding, after which a separate vote would determine whether Khan should be removed from office. Khan has been on voluntary leave since May 2025 while contesting the allegations.

The suspension unfolds during one of the most politically sensitive periods in the court’s history.

The ICC has become increasingly embroiled in geopolitical disputes, particularly after Khan sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes connected to the war in Gaza.

The move triggered a fierce backlash from the United States, which responded by imposing sanctions on Khan and subsequently expanded those measures to include senior ICC officials, judges and organisations linked to investigations concerning the Palestinian territories. The controversy has also exposed divisions within the ICC itself.

Some staff members have expressed concerns that Khan’s return could undermine confidence in the institution and create fears of retaliation against witnesses or complainants.

Supporters of the prosecutor, however, argue that multiple investigations have failed to conclusively prove the allegations and insist that due process must be respected. Legal experts note that any attempt to permanently remove Khan could trigger a lengthy legal battle.

Should disciplinary measures be imposed, he would have the right to challenge the decision before the Administrative Tribunal of the International Labour Organization, potentially leading to reinstatement or compensation if procedural flaws are identified.

The outcome of the case is therefore likely to shape not only Khan’s future but also the credibility, governance and global standing of the ICC at a time when international justice mechanisms face mounting political pressure.