ICC Chief Prosecutor Suspended Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The embattled attorney general A member of the International Criminal Court was suspended from his post late Monday after the court’s oversight body referred Karim Khan for disciplinary proceedings.

In the scandal, which has been going on for more than two years, Khan faces allegations of sexual harassment with a female aide. He steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.

The final decision on the British lawyer’s fate is now up to the Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the ICC. This panel will hold a special session to decide whether Khan can continue his duty at the global court.

The Office of the Assembly of States Parties, the executive committee of the court’s oversight body, said in a statement on Monday that it based its assessment on “an investigative report conducted by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), key evidence, recommendations of a special Panel of forensic experts and written submissions.”

Evidence found in UN investigation Khan “had nonconsensual sexual intercourse with (the aide) in his office, at his private home, and while on duty,” according to a copy of the report seen by The Associated Press. However, a panel of three judges selected by the executive committee for legal evaluation of the findings found that the investigation was not sufficiently conclusive.

Khan already existed Resigned temporarily in May 2025 We are waiting for the outcome of the investigation. This process is unprecedented for the ICC, and the Assembly of States Parties has repeatedly had to create new rules to adapt to the situation.

The allegations against Khan were first reported to the court’s independent monitor more than two years ago. One AP investigation It revealed that Khan allegedly spotted the woman working in another department of the ICC and carried her to his office. He later made regular appearances on official trips, according to tip documents.

During one of his foreign trips, Khan allegedly asked her to relax with him in a hotel bed and then “touched her sexually,” according to the documents. Other non-consensual behavior noted in the documents included locking his office door and putting his hand in his pocket. He also allegedly asked her to accompany him on vacation several times.

Only the Assembly of States Parties has the power to remove Khan from office; This is a move that requires a majority in a secret ballot of 125 member states. Sixty-three countries would need to support a measure to remove him from office.

A date for the session was not immediately set, but the council said it would convene as soon as possible.

Need help? Visit RAINN National Sexual Assault Online Helpline or National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s website.