ICC oversight body removes prosecutor Karim Khan after misconduct finding

The International Criminal Court’s oversight body voted to dismiss Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan over alleged sexual misconduct, with 82 votes in favour, the court announced at a United Nations meeting in New York. Khan, elected in 2021 and suspended last month, was accused of engaging in an improper sexual relationship with a junior staff member and of seeking to prevent her complaint, allegations he denies.

The court’s Independent Oversight Mechanism initially investigated after a third party reported allegations in May 2024 but closed that inquiry when the alleged victim declined to participate. A second referral in October 2024 transferred the matter to the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services, which conducted a broader probe from November 2024 to December 2025 and compiled more than 5,000 pages of evidence and testimony.

A panel of three judges reviewed the OIOS findings and advised whether Khan’s conduct amounted to serious misconduct. The oversight body concluded Khan committed a “serious breach of duty and serious misconduct.” Khan has been on voluntary leave since May 2025 and remains suspended from practising law in the UK while the Bar Standards Board investigates.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The dismissal followed an extended investigative process involving the ICC’s IOM and the UN OIOS, detailed evidence and judicial review, and has drawn intense scrutiny to the court’s internal procedures. The case coincided with wider political tensions surrounding the ICC, including US sanctions related to the court’s investigation into alleged crimes by Israeli officials in Gaza, which have affected Khan’s ability to attend proceedings in the United States.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Khan was removed following an 82-vote decision by the ICC oversight body after findings of serious misconduct.
• Investigations included an IOM inquiry, an OIOS probe producing over 5,000 pages of evidence, and review by a three-judge panel.
• Khan has denied the allegations, has been on voluntary leave since May 2025, and is suspended from UK legal practice pending a Bar Standards Board inquiry.