In an unprecedented transfer, the embattled chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court was suspended from his duties late Monday, after the court docket’s oversight body referred British barrister Karim Khan for disciplinary proceedings.
The 56-year-old is going through allegations of sexual misconduct with a feminine aide, in a scandal that has dragged on for greater than two years. He has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing.
A last decision on Khan’s destiny is now as much as the Assembly of States Parties, the body that oversees the ICC, which is able to maintain a particular session to determine if Khan can stay in his job on the world court docket.
The Bureau of the Assembly of States events – the chief committee of the court docket’s oversight body – mentioned in an announcement that it based mostly its decision “on the report of an investigation undertaken by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions.”
It added that Khan’s suspension pending the meeting assembly “is not an indication of the final outcome.”
The U.N. investigation discovered proof that Khan had “nonconsensual sexual contact with (the aide) in his office, at his private residence, and whilst on mission,” in accordance with a replica of its report seen by The Associated Press. However, a three-judge panel chosen by the chief committee for a authorized evaluation of the findings discovered that the investigation was not conclusive sufficient.
When contacted for remark, Khan’s authorized crew mentioned an announcement can be issued Tuesday.
Khan had already quickly stepped down in May 2025 pending the result of the investigation. The course of is unprecedented for the ICC, and the Assembly of States Parties has needed to repeatedly create new guidelines to accommodate the scenario.
The allegations towards Khan have been first reported to the court docket’s impartial watchdog greater than two years in the past. An AP investigation revealed that Khan was alleged to have seen the girl working in one other ICC division and moved her into his workplace. She later grew to become an everyday presence on official journeys, in accordance with whistleblower paperwork.
On one international journey, Khan allegedly requested her to relaxation with him on a resort mattress after which “sexually touched her,” the paperwork mentioned. Other alleged nonconsensual conduct cited within the paperwork included locking the door of his workplace and sticking his hand in her pocket. He additionally allegedly requested her a number of occasions to accompany him on a trip.
Only the Assembly of States Parties has the authority to take away Khan from workplace, a transfer that will require a majority in a secret poll of its 125 member states. Sixty-three international locations would want to assist a measure to take away him.
No date was instantly set for the session, however the meeting mentioned it will be convened as quickly as attainable.