ICC Prosecutor Removed Over Misconduct Allegations
The International Criminal Court (ICC) removed its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, following allegations of sexual misconduct. The Assembly of States Parties, which governs the ICC, made the decision after reports involving a junior female staffer. Khan denied any wrongdoing.
This decision marks a historic moment as Khan is the first chief prosecutor of the ICC to be removed from office. The move comes amid a campaign initiated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to challenge the ICC’s authority, accusing it of infringing on American sovereignty.
Khan became a controversial figure after issuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The warrants, related to the conflict in Gaza, drew criticism from both Israel and the United States, which are not members of the ICC.
In New York, the warrants became a political issue when Mayor Zohran Mamdani cited them in threats to arrest Netanyahu. Mamdani later admitted New York lacks the authority to enforce such warrants but called for federal action.
The ICC seeks to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression when national courts are unable or unwilling to act.
Allegations against Khan triggered a crisis within the court. Reuters noted that 82 of 125 member states supported the vote for his removal, surpassing the majority needed. Khan had stepped aside in May 2025 and was suspended in June 2026 amid a U.N. investigation.
An oversight body found Khan guilty of serious misconduct, according to the Associated Press. Allegations involved a nonconsensual encounter with a female aide. Khan’s legal team argues the process was flawed and denies any wrongdoing.
The vote against Khan by the Assembly of States Parties is contested by his lawyers, who claim due process was not followed. They argue Khan wasn’t given the opportunity to present his case before the vote.
Khan’s removal has speculated implications for the ICC’s legitimacy, particularly regarding the warrants against Netanyahu. Israeli officials claim his removal indicates the politicization of the warrants process.
Anne Bayefsky from Human Rights Voices argues that Khan’s actions have harmed the ICC, noting accusations against him as an attempt to distract from his own misconduct. The ICC has not confirmed whether his removal impacts the arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant.
The ICC did not respond to requests for comment, and Khan’s office remained silent at the time of reporting.