politics
ICC Prosecutor Suspended Over Misconduct Allegations
The International Criminal Court suspended its lead prosecutor this week after a confidential poll found serious misconduct. The case now moves to the full Assembly of States Parties for a possible dismissal vote.
jns.orgAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
A summary of an 18-month U.N. investigation seen by Reuters found a factual basis for allegations that Khan had a non-consensual sexual relationship with a younger staff member. A separate legal review by three external judges concluded the evidence was insufficient to prove the claims beyond a reasonable doubt.
Assembly suspended Khan and referred the matter to the full Assembly of States Parties, the only body that can dismiss him. An Assembly vote is not expected before late July at the earliest. Fourteen countries voted against Khan: Belgium, Chile, Cyprus, Ecuador, Finland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia, South Korea, Switzerland, Brazil and New Zealand.
Kenya, Senegal, South Africa and Sierra Leone voted for acquittal, while Uganda, Bosnia and Bolivia abstained. Khan's legal team said it will take all necessary steps to challenge the decision and protect his rights. Khan, 56, has argued he is being wronged and attacked for political reasons.
The court opened in 2002 as the world's first permanent war crimes tribunal. After the allegations emerged in 2024, it commissioned an external U.N. investigation. Khan went on voluntary leave in May 2025, and his two deputies assumed his duties.
