ICC Member States Remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from Office

New York – 24 July 2026: In the United Nations hall on Friday, a decision was made that strikes the International Criminal Court at an already tense time. The assembly of the 125 states parties to the Rome Statute removed Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from office by a clear majority. The session had been convened specifically to decide the future of the British lawyer.

According to the assembly leadership, the states found that Khan had committed a serious breach of his official duties as well as serious misconduct. This was preceded by disciplinary proceedings dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct in the professional environment. Khan had already been provisionally relieved of his duties in June 2026. The exact documents from the proceedings are not fully public.

The allegations came from a former employee of the Office of the Prosecutor. She, like all those involved, is entitled to special privacy protection. Khan has repeatedly rejected the allegations. After the vote, his lawyer said that his client would challenge the decision using all available legal means. The decision by the states parties does not entail a criminal conviction against Khan.

The vote nevertheless marks an extraordinary turning point for the court based in The Hague. The states parties bear institutional responsibility for the court, which prosecutes genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression when national justice systems are unwilling or unable to do so.

Khan took office as chief prosecutor in 2021 and has handled several politically highly contested cases in recent years. In particular, his steps in connection with the war in the Gaza Strip had triggered strong international reactions. However, the personal allegations and disciplinary proceedings had recently placed an increasing burden on the institution’s work.

Human rights organizations had called on the assembly to conduct a credible process that safeguards both the protection of those affected and the rights of the accused. The conflict is not over with the removal from office: Khan intends to challenge the decision, while the court must also ensure its ability to function and maintain the trust of its member states.

Who will permanently lead the Office of the Prosecutor remains open following Friday’s decision. For staff members in The Hague, the decision primarily means another period of upheaval. The court now faces the task of providing personnel clarity without losing sight of its ongoing investigations and proceedings.