In a shocking move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, while an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct continues. The decision was made by a select group inside the ICC’s oversight bureau and will be subject to a vote by 125 member states at a special meeting.
Khan has repeatedly denied the accusations, which include unwanted sexual touching and abuse. His lawyers describe the suspension as unlawful and unsupported by evidence, but the ICC stresses that the move does not pre‑judge the outcome of the inquiry.
The investigation began in May 2024 after a third party reported claims of misconduct involving a staff member. Though an early probe closed when the alleged victim refused to cooperate, further allegations prompted a second referral to the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). The OIOS review, completed in December 2025, generated over 5,000 pages of evidence and led to a panel deciding whether Khan’s conduct amounted to serious or less serious misconduct.
Beyond the ICC, the case has spilled into international politics. The United States has imposed sanctions on Khan and others after he sought arrest warrants for Israeli officials, causing further strain. The ICC’s internal crisis comes at a time of intense scrutiny and calls for reform.
Should member states vote to remove Khan, he could challenge the decision in the International Labour Organization’s Administrative Tribunal, a long‑running legal fight that could end up with reinstatement and compensation if procedural errors were found.
For now, the court remains under fire, and the world watches how the decision will affect justice for crimes that transcend borders.
