International Criminal Court prepares secret vote on prosecutor Karim Khan's removal

Member states of the International Criminal Court will hold a secret ballot at the United Nations headquarters in New York to decide whether to dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan. The Assembly of States Parties, comprising 125 countries, requires an absolute majority of at least 63 votes for removal.

Khan, a 56‑year‑old British barrister, faces accusations of sexual misconduct and an alleged coercive relationship with a junior female staff member. He denies the allegations and his lawyers describe the disciplinary process as unlawful and unsupported by evidence. An internal ICC oversight panel found “serious misconduct,” leading to his suspension from duties in June and his placement on voluntary leave.

The vote occurs amid heightened U.S. criticism of the court, especially after ICC arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials for alleged Gaza war crimes. Several states, including France and the host nation the Netherlands, have announced they will support Khan’s removal, while others remain undecided. The outcome will affect the court’s credibility and its ability to pursue high‑profile war‑crimes cases.