ICC removes chief prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct allegations

On 24 July 2026 the Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court voted to dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan. Eighty‑two of the 125 member states supported the removal, with 13 voting against and 15 abstaining. The court’s oversight body concluded Khan had committed “serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty” after allegations that he engaged in a non‑consensual sexual relationship with a junior staff member and attempted to suppress the complaint.

Khan, a British barrister, has denied the accusations and said he will challenge the decision through all legal avenues. His ouster does not invalidate the ICC’s existing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defence minister Yoav Gallant and senior Hamas figures, which remain under the judges’ authority. The removal occurs amid a broader U.S. campaign to dismantle the ICC, with American officials welcoming the shake‑up while asserting it will not alter their policy toward the court.

The decision marks the first time a sitting ICC chief prosecutor has been removed, raising questions about the institution’s internal governance, workplace safety standards, and its ability to continue high‑profile investigations across multiple jurisdictions.