Karim Khan removed from ICC for serious misconduct
Karim Khan, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), was removed from his position on July 24, 2026, by the Assembly of States Parties following a finding of "serious misconduct." His legal team is challenging the decision.
Karim Khan removed from the International Criminal Court
Context and allegations
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, was removed from office on July 24, 2026. This decision follows a conclusion by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties in June 2026, which found "serious misconduct" related to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Removal procedure
Out of 125 member states, 82 voted in favor of his removal, 13 against, and 11 abstained. This vote comes after Khan’s suspension in June 2026, decided by the Bureau of the Assembly based on a report from the BSCI.
Reactions and controversies
Khan’s legal team has challenged the decision in court, asserting it was politically motivated. According to the complaint, a judicial panel had concluded that the BSCI’s findings did not demonstrate any breach of Khan’s legal obligations. His lawyers announced their intention to contest the decision through all available legal means.
A representative from a human rights organization praised his "courage" for filing the complaint despite the risks.
Impact on the ICC
Khan’s removal does not affect existing arrest warrants, which fall under the jurisdiction of ICC judges. Ongoing investigations, including those related to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, continue under the direction of deputy prosecutors.
The Assembly of States Parties was to elect a new prosecutor. No date has been set for this process. The ICC, established in 2002, currently has 34 ongoing cases and has issued seven convictions since its founding.
The United States and Israel, although signatories to the Rome Statute, have not ratified it. Washington had imposed sanctions on ICC members in 2025 in response to investigations into alleged war crimes involving Israel.
Key Points
- Karim Khan removed by the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC on July 24, 2026, following a June 2026 finding of "serious misconduct"
- Allegations of sexual misconduct made by two women, including one ICC employee
- 82 out of 125 states voted in favor of his removal
- Khan denies the accusations and is challenging the decision, citing an unfair process in the complaint
- Ongoing arrest warrants (Putin, Netanyahu) remain valid despite his removal
Sources
- The Guardian Law - "Karim Khan ousted from role as prosecutor of international criminal court". (secondary)
- Al Jazeera World - "ICC prosecutor Khan removed over sexual misconduct allegations: Sources". (secondary)
- UN News - "ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan removed from office". (secondary)
- Courrier International - "Accused of sexual abuse, should the ICC’s chief prosecutor 'leave or stay'?". (secondary)
Transparency: 4 sources (0 primary, 4 secondary). Verification: July 27, 2026.
Truthyx - July 27, 2026