Story perspectives

ICC Dismisses Prosecutor Karim Khan Over Misconduct Allegations

7/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

ICC Assembly of States Parties voted 82-to-13, with 15 abstentions, to dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
The Assembly said Khan committed serious misconduct by having an improper sexual relationship with a junior staff member and attempting to stop her complaint.
Khan denied wrongdoing and said his lawyer will challenge the decision through all legal mechanisms.
His removal triggers a secret-ballot election for a new prosecutor not expected to finish before 2027.

History

Historical Context

The ICC began operating on 1 July 2002 after the Rome Statute entered force, giving the Assembly of States Parties power to remove a prosecutor for serious misconduct. That power was used in 2024 when the Assembly voted 82-13 to dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan, echoing the 99 %-approval election of its first prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, in 2002.

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Story summary

ICC Assembly of States Parties voted 82-to-13, with 15 abstentions, to dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
The Assembly said Khan committed serious misconduct by having an improper sexual relationship with a junior staff member and attempting to stop her complaint.
Khan denied wrongdoing and said his lawyer will challenge the decision through all legal mechanisms.
His removal triggers a secret-ballot election for a new prosecutor not expected to finish before 2027.

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