By Mumo Judah
June 9, 2026
The governing body of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following an independent United Nations investigation into allegations that he engaged in non-consensual sexual contact with a female aide.
The decision, taken on June 8 by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), marks the most serious institutional crisis to confront the Hague-based court in recent years. According to diplomatic sources familiar with the proceedings, the 21-member executive bureau voted by a qualified majority to suspend Khan after determining that he had committed what it described as “serious misconduct.”
However, the bureau does not possess the authority to dismiss the chief prosecutor outright. Instead, it has referred the matter to the court’s 125 member states, which are expected to convene in a special session to decide his future. Under ICC rules, a majority of at least 63 member states will be required to permanently remove him from office through a secret ballot.
The suspension is not expected to significantly affect the day-to-day work of the court, as Khan has been away from active duties since May 2025 when he voluntarily stepped aside to contest the allegations. Deputy prosecutors have since overseen ongoing investigations and prosecutions.
The controversy stems from an 18-month investigation conducted by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS). According to findings submitted to the ICC’s governing body, investigators concluded there was a factual basis for the accusations and found evidence suggesting that non-consensual contact occurred in Khan’s office, at his private residence and during official missions abroad.
The findings, however, have been complicated by a separate review carried out by a panel of three ICC judges. After examining the UN documentation, the judges reportedly concluded that the evidence presented did not meet the threshold required to establish misconduct beyond a reasonable doubt under criminal law standards.
The conflicting assessments have exposed divisions within the institution and intensified debate over the standards required for disciplinary action against senior international officials.
Khan has consistently denied the allegations of sexual abuse, harassment or any improper relationship with the complainant. Following the suspension, his legal team strongly criticized the decision and maintained that the process had violated principles of fairness.
“The decision is unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence,” his lawyers said in a statement.
Karim Khan, who assumed office as ICC prosecutor in 2021, has been one of the most prominent figures in international criminal justice. During his tenure, the court pursued investigations and arrest warrants involving conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Libya, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Middle East.
The ICC itself was established in 2002 to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. The Assembly of States Parties serves as the court’s oversight and management body and is responsible for electing judges and senior officials, including the prosecutor.
The outcome of the upcoming vote by member states is expected to determine not only Khan’s future but also the credibility and governance of the world’s only permanent international criminal tribunal. Until then, the court’s deputy prosecutors are expected to continue managing its operations and active case files.
