The International Criminal Court’s oversight body has voted to remove Karim Khan from his post as chief prosecutor, the Assembly of States Parties announced after a session that concluded on Friday.
First-ever removal of an ICC chief prosecutor
The decision, taken by a substantial majority of the court’s 125 member states, follows allegations of sexual misconduct that first emerged nearly two years ago. The Assembly said it had concluded Mr Khan committed “serious misconduct and serious breach of duty”, a finding expressed by its president, Paivi Kaukoranta.
“Serious misconduct and serious breach of duty”
Mr Khan, a 56-year-old British barrister, had been temporarily removed from his duties in June while an executive committee investigated the claims. Documents reported by The Associated Press indicated that the prosecutor had allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a female aide and attempted to prevent her pursuing allegations. Mr Khan has disputed the committee’s findings.
Process and reactions
The vote to dismiss Mr Khan is unprecedented in the court’s history. Early in the Assembly’s session a motion from Sierra Leone that would have made removal more difficult was defeated, and diplomats moved to an expedited vote several hours ahead of schedule, according to diplomatic sources.
- Decision-maker: Assembly of States Parties (oversight body of the ICC)
- Member states involved: 125
- Temporary removal: Mr Khan was suspended in June pending the vote
The prolonged dispute has created tensions among human rights campaigners, ICC staff and member states. It comes at a difficult moment for the court, which already faces political pressure from several quarters, including public statements by foreign officials challenging the court’s authority.
What this means for the ICC
The removal raises immediate questions about leadership and the court’s operational continuity. With the prosecutor’s office central to investigations into the gravest international crimes, member states will need to clarify interim arrangements and the process for appointing a successor.
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| Allegations first reported | Nearly two years ago (as reported) |
| Temporary removal from duties | June (pending investigation) |
| Assembly vote to remove | Friday (by large majority) |
Local readers should note that although the ICC is based in The Hague, the development has diplomatic implications for member countries and for international accountability mechanisms in which the UK participates. The court’s ability to prosecute alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes depends in part on its perceived integrity and the confidence of states and victims.
Further reporting will be required to confirm how the court will fill the vacancy and how ongoing investigations will be managed during the leadership transition. For now, the Assembly’s vote marks a rare and significant rupture in the governance of the international tribunal.
