ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan Removed After Sexual Misconduct Vote
On July 24, 2026, ICC member states voted 82-43 to remove Prosecutor Karim Khan over misconduct claims.
Why it matters: ICC leadership directly influences international criminal justice enforcement and governance. Khan’s removal could affect trust and prosecutorial continuity in sensitive cases like the Israeli PM Netanyahu investigation.
- On July 24, 2026, 82 of 125 ICC member states voted to remove Karim Khan as Chief Prosecutor.
- Khan was suspended in June 2026 after allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female aide surfaced over nearly two years.
- A March 2026 ICC judicial panel cleared Khan of wrongdoing, but the Assembly of States Parties still voted for his removal.
- ICC investigations, including the arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, will continue unaffected by Khan’s departure.
Karim Khan, who has served as Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) since 2020, was removed from office on July 24, 2026. The Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the ICC and comprises its member countries, voted 82 to 43 in favor of Khan’s removal following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The allegations, involving a female aide and spanning nearly two years, led to Khan’s suspension in June 2026. Despite these claims, a judicial panel at the ICC cleared Khan of any wrongdoing in March 2026 after a formal investigation. Khan’s lawyer, Tayab Ali, criticized the removal, calling it "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence," underscoring ongoing contention within the court.
Paivi Kaukoranta, President of the Assembly, stated the decision was based on her finding that Khan committed "serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty." The Assembly's vote highlights tensions within ICC governance and signals a shift in leadership as the court prepares to elect a new prosecutor.
Khan’s tenure was marked by bold prosecutorial actions, most notably the arrest warrant issued against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes related to the Gaza conflict. The ICC emphasized that this case, along with other ongoing investigations, remains unaffected by the leadership change.
The removal comes amid political pressure faced by the ICC from countries like the U.S. and Israel, which have criticized the court’s jurisdiction over state actors. This context underscores challenges the ICC encounters in balancing legal mandates with geopolitical sensitivities.
By the numbers:
- 82–43 — Member states voting to remove Khan on July 24, 2026
- Nearly 2 years — Duration of alleged sexual misconduct involving Khan
- March 2026 — Date a judicial panel cleared Khan of wrongdoing
Yes, but: Although the ICC’s judicial panel cleared Khan in March 2026, the Assembly of States Parties cited separate grounds for removal, reflecting a complex and divided governance process.
What's next: The ICC will hold elections to appoint a new Chief Prosecutor, with the timeline and candidates to be announced by the Assembly of States Parties.