The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has been suspended, according to an announcement by the court's oversight body. The decision follows an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.
In a statement Monday, the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties said it would refer Khan's case to a disciplinary discussion before all 125 ICC member states. These countries will vote on his future in a special session.
"This suspension is not an indication of the final outcome," the statement read.
The court's governing body said it based its decision on a UN investigation report, advisory opinions from a special panel of legal experts, and written submissions, but did not disclose specific details. "The Bureau's decision and related documents will remain confidential," the statement added.
Khan's lawyer argued the decision was "unlawful, procedurally unfair, and not supported by evidence." Khan strongly rejected the decision and continues to deny any wrongdoing.
Khan, 56, drew international attention when he filed requests for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. He also sought arrest warrants for Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, in connection with the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
Khan was among the first targeted by sanctions from the United States, a close Israeli ally, after Washington reacted angrily to the arrest warrants. He has maintained that the investigation into his misconduct is a politically motivated smear campaign.
According to Reuters and the Associated Press, the UN investigation found "factual basis" for the sexual harassment allegations made by a female assistant. However, a three-judge panel reviewing the legal implications of the findings said the investigation was inconclusive. Earlier, Khan's lawyer told Reuters that the judges had unanimously concluded "the factual findings do not establish misconduct or a dereliction of duty."
Khan has been on voluntary leave since last May, pending the investigation's results. He is the first ICC chief prosecutor to be formally suspended by the court's oversight body. Only the Assembly of States Parties has the authority to remove Khan, requiring a majority vote in a secret ballot. At least 63 countries must support the measure. The session's schedule has not yet been set.
Khan's suspension is seen as having little practical impact on the court's operations, as he is already on voluntary leave. He has been excluded from involvement in the court's most high-profile case currently, that of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
