International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Karim Khan has been suspended from his duties after the court's oversight body referred him for disciplinary proceedings over allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide.
The 21-member bureau of the Assembly of States Parties voted by qualified majority to suspend Khan with immediate effect pending a final decision by the full assembly representing all ICC member states. The suspension follows an investigation by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services.
According to a copy of the UN report seen by The Associated Press, investigators found evidence that Khan had nonconsensual sexual contact with the aide in his office, at his private residence, and while on mission. However, a three-judge panel selected by the executive committee determined the investigation was not conclusive enough.
Khan has denied any wrongdoing throughout the two-year scandal. He temporarily stepped down in May 2025 pending the investigation's outcome. The suspension will have little practical impact on ICC operations, as Khan had already been removed from leading the case against former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte.