The Suspension of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Amid Misconduct Allegations
The legal community is closely watching the unfolding situation involving Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Recently, he was temporarily suspended by the British bar association due to ongoing disciplinary actions.
Khan, a British barrister, was officially removed from his ICC responsibilities after allegations of “serious misconduct” surfaced, accusing him of having an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member. This decision was made by the court’s oversight body, and Khan has adamantly denied any wrongdoing.
The Bar Standards Board, the regulatory authority for lawyers in England and Wales, has taken the step to suspend Khan from practice, awaiting further disciplinary proceedings within a month. However, the board has refrained from commenting on the evidence forming the basis of their decision.
According to Khan’s legal representatives, the British regulator’s decision stems from findings by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, which concluded he committed “serious misconduct” and a “serious breach of duty.” Khan’s lawyers maintain that he “unequivocally denies all allegations of impropriety” and plans to appeal the Bureau’s decision.
This scandal, involving claims of sexual misconduct with an aide, has persisted at the ICC for over two years. An AP investigation highlighted that Khan allegedly transferred a female staff member to his office from another ICC department. In 2025, amid a U.N. investigation, Khan temporarily stepped aside.
An April report by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services suggested there was evidence of “nonconsensual sexual contact” by Khan with his aide in various locations, including his office and private residence. Nevertheless, a legal assessment panel found the investigation’s conclusions insufficiently definitive.
The 125-member Assembly of States Parties, which supervises the ICC, will ultimately decide Khan’s future. According to a diplomatic source, some countries suspect the allegations aim to hinder the ICC’s investigation into Israel, suggesting, “This is what happens when you go after friends of the U.S.”
In 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ex-defense minister, accusing them of using “starvation as a method of warfare” and targeting civilians in Gaza. Israeli officials have denied these allegations.
Additionally, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Khan and other ICC personnel, complicating the court’s investigations, especially those involving Israeli and U.S. officials. These actions are reportedly hindering a variety of ICC investigations.
A special session is scheduled for July 24 in New York to vote on Khan’s removal. The venue was chosen for logistical reasons, as most countries have United Nations representation there. The vote requires 63 countries to support Khan’s removal, but his successor remains undecided. For the past year, two deputy prosecutors have managed his duties.
