The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from office following allegations of sexual harassment. The corresponding statement was published on the ICC website on Monday, June 8, UNN reports.
Details
According to the court's announcement, the decision to suspend the prosecutor takes effect immediately. However, the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute will make a final determination on the case at a later date.
Addendum
In 2023, Karim Khan, as Chief Prosecutor of the ICC, issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova. In 2024, he also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country's former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
That same year, a female staff member accused the 56-year-old prosecutor of sexual harassment. According to the woman's allegations, he repeatedly harassed her over a long period and coerced her into sexual acts.
Following this, the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC initiated an investigation into Khan. In May 2025, it was announced that the Chief Prosecutor would take administrative leave and would not perform his duties during the investigation. Khan denies all allegations made against him.