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The International Criminal Court (ICC) has entered one of the most turbulent chapters in its history after member states voted to dismiss Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan over allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision, reached during a vote by the court’s governing Assembly of States Parties on July 24, marks the first time an ICC prosecutor has been removed from office and raises significant questions about the future of the world’s premier war crimes tribunal.

According to diplomatic sources, 82 of the ICC’s 125 member states voted in favour of Khan’s removal, comfortably surpassing the threshold required for dismissal. Khan, however, continues to deny all allegations and has described the process against him as unlawful and unsupported by evidence.

A Dramatic Fall From the Top

Karim Khan, a British barrister, assumed office as ICC Prosecutor in 2021 and quickly became one of the most recognisable figures in international criminal justice. His tenure saw renewed efforts to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in several conflict zones around the world. He also gained global attention in 2024 when he sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials over alleged crimes connected to the Gaza conflict.

Nevertheless, his career at the court became overshadowed by allegations of sexual misconduct made by a junior staff member. The accusations first surfaced in 2024 and triggered a lengthy investigation by bodies responsible for overseeing the court’s governance and ethics. Over time, the controversy evolved from an internal personnel matter into a crisis that threatened the credibility of the institution itself.

The ICC’s oversight officials ultimately concluded that Khan had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate and recommended his dismissal. Following that recommendation, he was suspended in June 2026 pending a final decision by member states.

Khan Rejects Allegations

Throughout the process, Khan has consistently denied wrongdoing. His legal team has argued that the proceedings were procedurally flawed and lacked sufficient evidence to justify either his suspension or removal. Supporters of the prosecutor have also suggested that political factors may have played a role in the pressure against him, pointing to his pursuit of high-profile cases involving powerful states and political leaders.

The allegations gained renewed public attention earlier this month when Khan’s accuser publicly repeated claims that the relationship was non-consensual during a television interview. The prosecutor’s lawyers have maintained that no sexual relationship occurred.