The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) governing body has suspended Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from his duties while member states deliberate his future, following an 1.5-year investigation into sexual harassment allegations.
The decision by the tribunal’s oversight body was announced on Monday, marking the conclusion of an 18-month inquiry regarding accusations involving Khan and a female lawyer working within his office.
According to a diplomatic source with knowledge of the matter, the executive bureau of the court’s governing body determined that Khan had engaged in serious misconduct. The finding stemmed from claims that he was involved in non-consensual sexual interactions with the staff member.
Khan has consistently denied all accusations leveled against him. Following the bureau’s determination, his legal team released a statement condemning the suspension.
“The decision is unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence,” the statement said.
The findings from the inquiry will now be circulated among the ICC’s 125 member states. The member nations will ultimately decide whether Khan should be permanently removed from office through a formal vote during a special session.
This suspension is a significant development for the Hague-based tribunal, an international court tasked with prosecuting individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other severe international offenses.
An official timeline for the upcoming vote that will decide Khan’s permanent status as the chief prosecutor has not yet been announced.