ICC prosecutor Karim Khan removed over ‘political’ sex abuse claims
The Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court has voted to remove prosecutor Karim Khan following sexual misconduct allegations. This decision comes nearly two years after the initial claims surfaced and follows a turbulent period for the court. Khan, who previously stepped aside in June, denies any wrongdoing. His legal team maintains that the removal process was politically motivated and procedurally unfair.
Legal counsel for Khan points to a prior judicial panel that determined reports from the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services did not prove misconduct or a breach of duty. Despite these findings, the Assembly moved forward with the dismissal. Supporters of the prosecutor argue that this vote threatens the independence of the court by exposing officials to removal processes that ignore independent judicial conclusions.
The timing of this vote remains a point of contention. Khan previously issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in 2024. These actions resulted in international backlash and sanctions from the United States administration. Khan’s team highlights the irony of his removal occurring while the court itself faces significant pressure from global powers.
While Israeli officials have welcomed the removal as a sign of the court's lack of credibility, the Palestinian mission to the Hague condemned attempts to link the dismissal to ongoing investigations. The court has stated that its office continues to prioritize independent prosecutions regardless of internal leadership changes. Deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameen Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang will now lead the office until a successor is elected.
This leadership change will not alter the status of existing arrest warrants. Only the judges of the ICC possess the authority to withdraw such warrants, meaning the legal cases against Netanyahu and Gallant remain active. The process to elect a new prosecutor is expected to extend into next year.