International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan Suspended Over Sexual Assault Allegations

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague announced the immediate suspension of its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, following allegations that he sexually assaulted a female staff member. The accusations stem from a complaint lodged in 2024 and were investigated by a United Nations‑appointed commission, whose report has not yet been released. The ICC’s presidency said a special meeting of the court’s 125 member states will decide whether to remove Khan from office.

Khan, who has served as ICC prosecutor since 2021, previously secured arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His tenure has drawn criticism from the United States, which has imposed sanctions on ICC personnel. The UK, Khan’s home country, and the Netherlands, where the court sits, are the primary jurisdictions linked to the case.

The suspension does not constitute a dismissal; Khan remains on leave while the member‑state assembly considers the final decision. The outcome could affect the ICC’s ability to pursue ongoing investigations and its credibility in the international justice system.