ICC immediately suspends Prosecutor Karim Khan

The International Criminal Court's (ICC) senior administrative body announced the immediate suspension of Prosecutor Karim Khan, pending a final decision from member states regarding his future in the position. This measure comes in the wake of accusations of sexual misconduct against him, with the body referring the entire file to the Assembly of States Parties, comprising 125 countries, to consider recommendations and take appropriate legal action.

The body, affiliated with the Assembly, clarified that the suspension decision was taken by a qualified majority, emphasizing at the same time that this step does not imply a prejudgment or a final verdict on the merits of the case. A special session is scheduled to be held later to discuss the legal arguments and reports received concerning the alleged conduct of the Prosecutor, to ensure the integrity of the international judicial institution.

The roots of the case trace back to lengthy investigations spanning approximately 18 months, centered on allegations of non-consensual relationships with a lawyer working within his office staff. Informed diplomatic sources reported that the executive office of the body concluded in its report that Khan had committed a serious violation, which prompted the body to officially recommend his removal from his leadership duties at the Court.

In contrast, Karim Khan vehemently rejected these accusations. His legal team issued a statement refuting the justifications for the suspension, describing them as illegal and contrary to established procedures. His lawyers affirmed that the decision lacks tangible material evidence, noting their client's insistence on his complete innocence of all allegations that have affected his professional and personal reputation during the past period.

Technical reports revealed that UN investigators had earlier found what they called a 'factual basis' for the complaint against Khan, supported by eyewitness testimonies. However, a divergence in legal assessment emerged after a separate report prepared by three judges concluded that the currently available evidence does not rise to the level of conclusive proof that would warrant direct conviction without further scrutiny.

The Prosecutor had been on voluntary leave since May 2025, awaiting the outcome of official investigations, which effectively removed him from managing sensitive files in the prosecution office. Khan is the first prosecutor in the history of the International Criminal Court to face a formal suspension decision by the oversight body, placing the Court before an unprecedented organizational and legal test.

It is worth noting that Karim Khan gained global prominence after his historic decision to request arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former security minister Yoav Gallant on charges of committing war crimes in Gaza. That move sparked widespread anger in Israeli and American circles, with Khan facing political pressure and Washington's sanctions, making the timing of his suspension a focus of international observers.

The decision taken does not constitute a prejudgment of the case's outcome, and a special meeting of member states will be held to consider the final procedures.