International Criminal Court removes Prosecutor Karim Khan over serious misconduct

International Criminal Court member states voted to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan following disputed allegations that he sexually assaulted a female member of his staff.


The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court held a special session on disciplinary proceedings involving an elected official on 24 July 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Assembly adopted a decision, by secret ballot, by an absolute majority of 82 States Parties, finding that Mr. Karim Khan committed serious misconduct and serious breach of duty and removed him from office under article 46 of the Rome Statute.

Following the decision, Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameen Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang, will continue to head the Office of the Prosecutor (the Office). Since Mr Karim A. A. Khan took a leave of absence in May 2025,  the Deputy Prosecutors have assumed responsibility for the leadership, management and administration of the Office.  

According to an official announcement, the Office wishes to reassure victims, affected communities, States Parties, civil society partners and all those who support its work that its activities in the fulfilment of its mandate continue without interruption. The Office remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions across all situations under the Court’s jurisdiction to deliver justice for victims of Rome Statute crimes.

According to the announcement, the Office maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct, and is committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability in carrying out its work. It will continue to foster a respectful, safe and inclusive workplace environment by prioritising the duty of care it owes to its staff members. (source/photo: icc-cpi.int)



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