The unprecedented decision concludes a protracted scandal nearly two years after allegations of sexual misconduct first surfaced against the 56-year-old British barrister.
ICC Member States Vote to Oust Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan
According to sources familiar with the outcome, 82 of the court’s 125 member states voted in favour of removing Khan. Thirteen member states voted against the measure, and 11 countries abstained. The vote follows a decision by the executive committee of the court’s governing body in June to suspend Khan after concluding he had committed serious misconduct in connection to allegations of sexual abuse and tried to prevent his accuser from pursuing her claims. Khan has steadfastly denied all wrongdoing, with his legal team and representatives calling the process procedurally unfair and politically motivated.
Accusations, Investigations, and Defense Arguments
The disciplinary process involved a fact-finding report by a United Nations watchdog, an ad hoc panel of judicial experts, and written submissions reviewed by the ICC oversight body and diplomats. Khan’s accuser, a junior colleague and direct assistant who was named publicly only as Sarah, detailed escalating behaviour including touching and groping, telling CNN that he touched her intimately while she was pretending to be asleep. Sareta Ashraph, a lawyer for Khan, stated that he denies any form of sexual relationship or sexual contact, consensual or non-consensual, with the alleged victim.
Tayab Ali, head of Khan’s legal team, argued that the removal process defied independent judicial findings. Ali noted that a judicial panel had unanimously determined that findings by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services did not establish misconduct or breach of duty under the relevant legal framework. Khan’s legal team also asserted that the governing body’s investigation found no evidence supporting claims that the accuser was being used by third parties, such as intelligence agencies.
Geopolitical Fallout and US Sanctions
The removal vote unfolded against a backdrop of intense geopolitical friction. As prosecutor, Khan had led investigations into multiple conflicts, including a 2024 decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. That action drew severe backlash from Israel and the United States. The administration of President Donald Trump subsequently imposed sanctions on Khan and several other ICC officials and judges.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio launched a sweeping campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the court, urging member states to withdraw, sanctioning associated organizations, and banning staff travel to the United States. Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon stated that Khan incorrectly believed a political investigation against Israel would overshadow the allegations against him.
Impact on Active Warrants and Leadership Succession
Khan’s dismissal immediately triggers the election process for a new ICC prosecutor, although a vote is not expected before next year. In the interim, Khan’s two deputies have been managing the prosecution office, which employs about 400 staff members.
Legal experts and court officials confirmed that Khan’s removal will have no immediate impact on active arrest warrants issued in 2024 for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Gallant, emphasizing that such warrants can only be withdrawn by ICC judges. Meanwhile, Khan’s defense team maintained that the executive vote took place while the court was under immense political pressure and while the prosecutor was under U.S. sanctions, vowing to challenge the lawfulness and fairness of the decision through all available legal mechanisms.
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