Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, has been suspended from his duties following a probe into allegations of sexual misconduct. The court's governing body announced the decision on Monday after an 18-month investigation into accusations that the British lawyer had non-consensual sexual interactions with a female aide and lawyer in his office. This is the first time an ICC prosecutor has been formally suspended from his role by the court's oversight body.
The investigation concluded that the 56-year-old prosecutor engaged in serious misconduct and a breach of duty. The scandal has dragged on for more than two years, with allegations first emerging in 2024. Throughout the process, Khan has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing and rejects his suspension.
The Assembly of States Parties, the body that oversees the ICC, will now determine Khan's fate. The court's governing body will send its conclusions to all 125 member states, and a special session will be convened as soon as possible. The member states are expected to put Khan's possible removal from office to a vote to decide if he can remain in his position.