On 24/7, 82 of the 125 member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) voted to remove Karim Khan, 56, from his position. The dismissal stemmed from "serious misconduct and grave breach of duty" linked to accusations of sexual assault against a female subordinate. Khan, who has served as ICC prosecutor since 2021, denies all allegations.

During a secret ballot concerning Khan at the United Nations headquarters in New York, only 13 member states supported his continued tenure, while 15 abstained. Several members did not cast a vote, AFP reported, citing sources.

Following the vote, the ICC stated that it "noted" the member states' decision. However, Khan's lawyer announced that his client would challenge "the legality and fairness of the decision through all available legal mechanisms."

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan during an interview in Paris, France in 2/2024. Photo: AFP

Khan voluntarily ceased duties in 5/2025 after the allegations emerged. The accuser, reportedly a Malaysian lawyer who worked as his direct assistant, spoke to CNN last week. She detailed how Khan engaged in sexual harassment, which escalated to physical contact. "Consent is impossible when such a vast power imbalance exists. I think what many people do not understand is that Khan was not just my boss, but everyone's leader," she stated.

Paivi Kaukoranta, head of the ICC oversight body, praised member states for their unity in upholding the court's integrity. She added that this process ensures the ICC "can fulfill its vital mission for the benefit of the international community and victims of heinous crimes worldwide."

Throughout his tenure as ICC prosecutor, Khan faced political pressure while pursuing high-profile cases. In 2024, he sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant, and several key leaders of the Hamas armed group, in connection with the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Khan also became a target of US sanctions due to these warrants targeting Israeli officials.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Reuters)