ICC member states vote to dismiss chief prosecutor Khan over sexual misconduct allegations

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), was dismissed from his position on Friday, July 24, 2026, following allegations of sexual misconduct. Member states of the ICC voted by a large majority to remove Khan, a British barrister, for "serious misconduct and serious breach of duty." This marks the first time a chief prosecutor has been removed from office since the court's inception.

The allegations, which Khan has consistently denied, involved engaging in a sexual relationship with a female aide and attempting to obstruct her from pursuing her claims. Khan had been temporarily removed from his duties in June, pending the outcome of the vote, after a report by the court's oversight body found evidence of serious misconduct.

Khan's legal team has criticized the process leading to his dismissal, arguing that he was not given a fair opportunity to be heard. His ouster occurs at a challenging period for the ICC, which is already facing various difficulties, including a campaign by the United States to "dismantle" the court. The ICC's Assembly of States Parties will now begin the process of electing a new prosecutor.