ICC prosecutor suspension: Karim Khan referred for discipline after misconduct findings

Documents reviewed by The Associated Press said an inquiry into sexual misconduct claims against International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan found serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties voted on 2026-06-08 to suspend Khan. The panel also moved the case to further disciplinary steps.

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Karim Khan, a British barrister aged 56, has faced allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female aide. The matter has continued for more than two years. Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Khan already temporarily stepped down in May 2025, pending the investigation outcome.

Karim Khan suspension decision at the International Criminal Court

The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties has a 21-member executive committee. The committee voted on Monday to suspend Karim Khan. It also referred Khan for more disciplinary proceedings. The ICC operates independently of the United Nations, despite related reviews and findings.

Through lawyers, Khan rejected the move and disputed its basis. "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence.\" The legal team said it would take steps to challenge the decision. The lawyers also said the aim was to protect rights and uphold due process.

Karim Khan investigation findings involving the International Criminal Court

In April, a UN investigation found evidence of nonconsensual sexual contact, the documents said. The report described incidents in Khan’s office, at a private residence, and during a mission. A copy of that report was seen two months earlier by the AP. The Bureau later received a legal assessment.

A three-judge panel chosen by the executive committee reviewed the UN findings. The judges said the UN investigation was not conclusive enough. The process has been unusual for the ICC. The court had to create new regulations to manage the situation.

Karim Khan case focus and International Criminal Court staff welfare

Monday’s announcement did not mention the alleged victim, who has also been on leave. Danya Chaikel of the International Federation for Human Rights criticised that omission. Chaikel told the AP that the missing name reflects a wider problem. \"the woman at the centre of this process is almost invisible, as she has too often been throughout this process.\"

The ICC prosecution office said it was \"acutely aware\" of its duty of care. The office said it would keep a strong focus on safe conditions. It also said it would support a respectful workplace culture for all personnel. The statement referred to staff and personnel across the office.

Karim Khan final decision with Assembly of States Parties at the International Criminal Court

The final call on Karim Khan now sits with the Assembly of States Parties. The assembly oversees the ICC and plans a special session on the issue. No date has been set for that meeting. ICC president Judge Tomoko Akane urged the assembly to finish the process with high priority.

Khan has served as the court’s chief prosecutor since 2021. The case has also played out amid political pressure on the court. Sanctions from the Trump administration hit Khan and other ICC officials. Those sanctions related to ICC investigations involving US ally Israel.

With inputs from PTI