ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Suspended Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation

Karim Khan rejects suspension as ICC governing body refers him to disciplinary proceedings before member states.

Published On 9 Jun 20269 Jun 2026

The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended from his duties by the tribunal’s governing body following a sexual misconduct investigation. The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties announced in a statement that Khan will face disciplinary proceedings before all 125 ICC member states, which will cast a binding vote on his future at a special session. The bureau emphasized the suspension is procedural and does not indicate the final decision.
The move, based on a report from a United Nations investigation, an expert panel’s advice, and written submissions, remains confidential. Khan’s defense team called the suspension “unlawful and procedurally unfair,” reiterating his denial of misconduct. He has not worked at the ICC since taking a voluntary leave last May, when he also faced scrutiny for issuing arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and Hamas figures, drawing condemnation from the U.S.
A UN probe confirmed a “factual basis” for allegations against Khan, but a legal reviewer panel found insufficient evidence to conclude wrongdoing. Khan’s lawyers asserted the judges unanimously dismissed the claims. His suspension marks the first formal action against an ICC prosecutor by the oversight body. Removal would require a majority vote from 125 member states, with at least 63 votes needed to proceed.
With Khan already absent, the court’s operations remain unaffected. He was barred from participating in cases, including the ongoing prosecution of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, prior to his suspension. No timeline for the special session has been disclosed.

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