The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. This decision comes after a disciplinary hearing on June 8, where a committee of member states determined that Khan had committed significant misconduct.
The ICC’s decision to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Khan will be referred to a special session of the court’s member states, which will decide his future. The committee, consisting of representatives from 21 member countries, voted in favor of the suspension based on the allegations against him.
In an official statement, the ICC emphasized that the details of the proceedings would remain confidential, urging respect for the privacy and rights of all parties involved, as well as the integrity of the ongoing process.
Khan’s legal team has expressed strong opposition to the suspension, labeling the decision as unlawful and asserting that the allegations lack substantial evidence. Since May 2025, Khan has been on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Allegations of misconduct first surfaced in the fall of 2024, reportedly initiated by a female assistant who is a lawyer from Malaysia. Khan has categorically denied all accusations, claiming that the allegations are part of a conspiracy aimed at discrediting him, allegedly linked to Israeli interests.
Karim Khan, a 56-year-old British lawyer, has been serving as the ICC’s chief prosecutor since February 2021. He is recognized for issuing high-profile arrest warrants, including one for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2023 over the deportation of Ukrainian children, and another in November 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant for potential war crimes in Gaza.
In response to his actions, Russia has initiated criminal proceedings against Khan, accusing him of illegal prosecution of Russian citizens, and a Moscow court has sentenced him in absentia to 15 years in prison.
The ICC has suspended chief prosecutor Karim Khan amid allegations of sexual misconduct. His legal team disputes the decision, claiming the accusations lack evidence. Khan, known for high-profile arrest warrants, has been on administrative leave since May 2025.