ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan officially dismissed after harassment scandal

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has been officially dismissed from his post following a scandal involving allegations of sexual harassment; the leadership of the ICC Office of the Prosecutor will be ensured by deputy prosecutors, the ICC reported on July 24, writes UNN.

Details

"The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ASP) decided by secret ballot with an absolute majority of 82 states parties, finding that Karim Khan committed serious misconduct and a serious breach of his official duties, and removed him from office in accordance with Article 46 of the Rome Statute," the ASP statement of July 24 reads.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) responded to this in an official statement, noting that it "takes note of the decision (...) to remove the Prosecutor from office, finding that he committed serious misconduct and a serious breach of his official duties."

"The Deputy Prosecutors will continue to provide leadership, management, and direction of the Office of the Prosecutor, as they have done since Mr. Khan took leave in May 2025 and following his suspension from office on June 8, 2026," the ICC stated.

Throughout this process, the ICC, as noted, "continued to fulfill its mandate and activities thanks to the professionalism and dedication of its staff." The Court will continue to prioritize maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful working environment for all staff. "The ICC remains firmly committed to accountability and ensuring justice for victims of crimes that deeply shock the conscience of humanity," the statement said.

Addendum

Karim Khan, as Reuters notes, became one of the most prominent international prosecutors in May 2024 when he announced he was seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing the International Criminal Court into a confrontation with the United States.

When he took office, he frequently traveled to countries where the ICC was conducting investigations, including Ukraine, Israel, and the Palestinian territories.

In 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Kremlin head Vladimir Putin, resulting in Khan being convicted in absentia in Russia in 2025.

In October 2024, news emerged of a complaint by a junior lawyer from Khan's office regarding sexual harassment by Khan. Khan denied the allegations but went on leave in May 2025, saying media scrutiny prevented him from focusing on his work.

ICC member states dismissed Khan on Friday over allegations of sexual harassment, two diplomatic sources told Reuters. He has long faced criticism and political controversy.

ICC member states voted to dismiss Chief Prosecutor Khan - media24.07.26, 21:30 • 3032 views