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ICC votes 82-to-43 to remove prosecutor Khan amid US sanctions

7/26/2026

50 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Karim Khan Ousted

The Assembly of States Parties voted 82-to-43 to remove ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
The Assembly said Khan committed serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty with a junior staff member.
Khan denied the allegations and his lawyer Tayab Ali announced he will challenge the removal through all legal channels.
The United States has sanctioned Khan and other ICC officials and announced a sweeping campaign to dismantle the court.

Summary

ICC Judges Uphold

ICC judges said arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and Itamar Ben-Gvir remain in force after Khan’s removal.
With no successor named, a Deputy Prosecutor could serve as interim chief prosecutor.
Experts note only ICC judges, not a prosecutor, can withdraw or amend arrest warrants.
Former war-crimes prosecutor Reed Brody warned the Court now depends on renewed backing from its founding states amid U.S. sanctions.

History

Historical Context

After the Rome Statute was adopted in July 1998 and entered into force on 1 July 2002, the International Criminal Court began operating as a permanent war-crimes tribunal. U.S. opposition, codified in the 2002 American Service-Members’ Protection Act, has repeatedly challenged the Court. The Assembly of States Parties’ recent 82-to-43 vote to remove Prosecutor Karim Khan revives that long-standing political interference.

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Karim Khan Ousted

The Assembly of States Parties voted 82-to-43 to remove ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
The Assembly said Khan committed serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty with a junior staff member.
Khan denied the allegations and his lawyer Tayab Ali announced he will challenge the removal through all legal channels.
The United States has sanctioned Khan and other ICC officials and announced a sweeping campaign to dismantle the court.

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