The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, was suspended late on Monday after the court's oversight body initiated disciplinary proceedings against him.
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The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, the executive committee of the court's oversight body, said in a statement that its decision was based on a UN investigation report, the advice of a panel of judicial experts, and written submissions. It added that Khan's suspension pending the assembly meeting "is not an indication of the final outcome."
Khan, 56, is facing allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide, a scandal that has dragged on for more than two years. He has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers said in a statement that he rejected the decision "in the strongest terms."
"The decision is unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence," the statement said.
UN investigation findings
The UN investigation found evidence that Khan had "nonconsensual sexual contact with the aide in his office, at his private residence, and whilst on mission," according to a copy of its report seen by The Associated Press. However, a three-judge panel selected by the executive committee for a legal assessment of the findings found that the investigation was not conclusive enough.
Khan had already temporarily stepped down in May 2025 pending the outcome of the investigation. The process is unprecedented for the ICC, and the Assembly of States Parties has had to repeatedly create new rules to accommodate the situation.
Allegations timeline
The allegations against Khan were first reported to the court's independent watchdog more than two years ago. An AP investigation revealed that Khan was alleged to have seen the woman working in another ICC department and moved her into his office. She later became a regular presence on official trips, according to whistleblower documents.
On one foreign trip, Khan allegedly asked her to rest with him on a hotel bed and then "sexually touched her," the documents said. Other alleged non-consensual behavior included locking the door of his office and sticking his hand in her pocket. He also allegedly asked her several times to accompany him on a vacation.
What happens next
Only the Assembly of States Parties has the authority to remove Khan from office, a move that would require a majority in a secret ballot of its 125 member states. Sixty-three countries would need to support a measure to remove him.
No date was immediately set for the session, but the assembly said it would be convened as soon as possible.
Khan drew international attention when he applied for warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza. He also sought warrants for Hamas leaders following the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
Khan has maintained that the misconduct probe is a politically motivated smear campaign. He has not led the ICC's Office of the Prosecutor since May 2025, when he took a voluntary leave of absence.
