ICC Suspends Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Amid Misconduct Probe

Wed Jun 17 2026 08:29:15 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

ICC temporarily suspends chief prosecutor Karim Khan while investigations into sexual misconduct continue, sparking political turmoil.

The International Criminal Court has suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, effective immediately pending a vote by its 125 member states. Khan, who denies any wrongdoing, faces allegations of sexual misconduct that have raised questions about the court’s oversight processes. Political tensions, including U.S. sanctions tied to his recent actions, have amplified scrutiny of the ICC. The suspension could lead to further legal challenges and affect the court’s credibility. The case underscores the fragile balance between accountability and procedural fairness in international justice.

In a dramatic turn, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, effective immediately as investigations into alleged sexual misconduct continue.

The decision was issued by the ICC’s Oversight Bureau, which has referred the matter to the court’s 125 member states for a vote on Khan’s future.

Chief Prosecutor Khan has repeatedly denied the accusations and his counsel calls the suspension unlawful and procedurally unfair.

Earlier reports alleged unwanted sexual touching and abuse, but investigations have struggled to secure conclusive evidence, fueling criticism of the ICC’s internal processes.

The controversy comes amid political tensions over the ICC’s work and U.S. sanctions on Khan for his actions relating to the Gaza war, raising questions about the court’s independence and balance.