ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Faces Potential Removal Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

The International Criminal Court’s 21-member Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties concluded, after a lengthy inquiry, that chief prosecutor Karim Khan abused his authority by engaging in a sexual relationship with a junior staff member and then attempting to dissuade the accuser from pursuing the complaint. The bureau’s confidential report, obtained by *The New York Times*, found Khan’s later denials “devoid of credibility.” Following the findings, the bureau suspended Khan while member states consider disciplinary action.

New York Times

Dominic Garner, representing Khan, called the bureau’s conclusions “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence,” insisting that Khan “denied every specific allegation of sexual interaction of any kind” to the United Nations investigator. An ICC spokesperson declined to comment when approached for a response.

New York Times

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, warned that retaining Khan would “potentially be deeply damaging to its functioning and reputation,” noting that “at least two-thirds of the bureau’s member states found his credibility to be utterly lacking.” Analysts describe the episode as one of the court’s gravest crises since its founding 24 years ago, compounding existing pressures from external sanctions.

New York Times

• “the main issue” — Karim Khan, speaking to a UN investigative team about the possibility of recordings.

New York Times

• “unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence,” — Dominic Garner, lawyer for Khan.

New York Times

• “every specific allegation of sexual interaction of any kind” — Dominic Garner, summarizing Khan’s denials.

New York Times

• “It is hard to see how Khan can continue in the job, which demands complete adherence to the truth, when at least two-thirds of the bureau’s member states found his credibility to be utterly lacking,” — Kenneth Roth, Human Rights Watch.

New York Times