International Criminal CourtProsecutor Faces Serious Misconduct Allegations

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A probe into sexual misconduct accusations against the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor concluded that he engaged in “serious misconduct” and “serious breach of duty,” according to documents obtained by the Associated Press on Tuesday.

The ICC’s oversight body, the Assembly of States Parties’ Bureau, consisting of 21 members, voted on Monday to suspend British barrister Karim Khan and refer him for additional disciplinary proceedings.

The 56‑year‑old is accused of sexual misconduct involving a female aide, a scandal that has persisted for over two years. Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Through his counsel, Khan rejected the ruling, describing it as “unlawful, procedurally unfair, and unsupported by evidence.” His legal team vowed to “take all necessary steps to contest the decision, safeguard his rights, and uphold due process.”

In April, a United Nations investigation uncovered evidence that Khan engaged in “nonconsensual sexual contact” with his aide “in his office, at his private residence,” and during a mission, according to a report copy viewed by the AP two months prior.

However, a three‑judge panel appointed by the executive committee to assess the findings determined that the U.N. investigation was insufficiently conclusive. The ICC operates independently of the United Nations.

Khan temporarily stepped down in May 2025 while the investigation proceeds. This process is unprecedented for the court, which has had to devise new regulations to address it.

The announcement did not reference Khan’s alleged victim, who has also been on leave from the court.

Danya Chaikel of the International Federation for Human Rights told the AP that the omission of the victim’s name highlights “the broader issue: the woman at the center of this process is almost invisible, as she has often been throughout.”

The ICC prosecution office stated that it is “acutely aware of the duty of care” it owes all staff and personnel and will “continue to prioritize a safe working environment and a respectful workplace culture for everyone.”

The final decision on Khan’s fate now rests with the Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the ICC. The body plans to hold a special session to determine whether Khan may retain his position at the global court, though no date has been set.

ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane urged the assembly to finalize the process “with the highest priority.”

Khan has served as chief prosecutor since 2021. His work has been hampered by sanctions imposed on him and other court officials by the Trump administration regarding ICC investigations into a U.S. ally, Israel.

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