In an unprecedented move in international legal history, member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have voted to dismiss Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan KC following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The decision was finalized during a special session of the ICC’s Assembly of States Parties (ASP) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. A total of 82 out of 125 member states voted in favor of his immediate removal, making Khan the first ICC prosecutor to be ousted from office since the tribunal’s creation under the Rome Statute.
The Allegations and Disciplinary Findings
The dismissal follows an extended investigation by the United Nations’ independent oversight mechanisms. The charges stem from complaints raised by a former ICC staff member, who accused the 56-year-old British barrister of engaging in coercive and non-consensual sexual conduct over an extended period.
The Assembly of States Parties concluded that Khan had committed “serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty.” Khan has consistently maintained his innocence, disputing the findings and criticizing the disciplinary process as procedurally unfair. His legal representation announced intentions to challenge the ouster through all available judicial channels.
From William Ruto’s Defense Team to The Hague
Before assuming leadership of the ICC’s prosecution division in June 2021, Khan was widely recognized for his work as a high-profile international defense attorney.
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Representing William Ruto: In 2015, Khan joined the legal team defending then-Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto, who was facing charges of crimes against humanity linked to the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
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Case Termination: In April 2016, ICC judges terminated the case against Ruto and journalist Joshua arap Sang due to insufficient evidence, cementing Khan’s reputation as a formidable courtroom advocate.
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Election to ICC Prosecutor: Khan was elected as ICC Prosecutor in February 2021, taking over a nine-year mandate.
High-Profile Arrest Warrants and Geopolitical Fallout
During his five-year tenure as Chief Prosecutor, Khan led high-stakes investigations that placed the court directly at the center of world politics:
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Vladimir Putin (2023): Secured an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of children from Ukraine.
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Benjamin Netanyahu & Yoav Gallant (2024): Applied for and secured arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Legal experts note that Khan’s dismissal does not invalidate or withdraw these active arrest warrants, as authority over existing warrants rests solely with the ICC’s panel of judges.
What Happens Next at the ICC?
With Karim Khan officially removed, his two deputies—Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang—will continue overseeing the Office of the Prosecutor in the interim. The Assembly of States Parties will initiate a special election process to select the court’s fourth chief prosecutor.
