world
ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Faces Disciplinary Proceedings Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties has voted to pursue disciplinary action against International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct with a subordinate. The allegations emerged amid Khan's pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli officials for war crimes.
Apr 9, 8:16 AM·2m read1 source
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan is facing disciplinary proceedings initiated by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP). The bureau voted in favor of the action after a year-long investigation into claims that Khan engaged in sexual misconduct with a subordinate staffer.
The vote occurred with 15 members in favor, four against, and two abstentions, according to reports from Reuters and The New York Times.
The allegations surfaced in April 2024, when the alleged victim disclosed the sexual contact to her husband and several colleagues. Colleagues confronted Khan in May 2024. A judges' report cited a witness who observed Khan referencing a possible Mossad role during the confrontation.
Just weeks after the confrontation, in May 2024, Khan filed applications for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict.
In February 2025, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Khan in response to these warrant applications. The timing of the allegations has drawn attention to Khan's professional activities.
The investigation involved a United Nations probe by the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), which produced over 5,000 pages of evidence.
The OIOS report concluded that Khan had non-consensual sexual contact with the employee. However, three ICC judges determined last month that there was insufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite the judges' findings, the ASP bureau proceeded with disciplinary measures.
In a letter read during the meeting, officials from the prosecutor's office expressed opposition to Khan remaining in his position. The decision overrides the judges' consensus on the evidence threshold.
