ICC Bureau Recommends Khan’s Firing Over Inappropriate Sexual Relationship

Diplomatic bodies overseeing the International Criminal Court (ICC) have determined that Prosecutor Karim Khan had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior staff member, leading to a recommendation for his dismissal.

This marks the first time details of accusations of misconduct against Khan by a female lawyer in 2024 have been reported. The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties will vote on July 24 on whether to accept this decision. Khan denies any wrongdoing and argues that the decision is unlawful and unsupported by evidence.

The executive bureau of the ICC’s governing body has set aside an advisory opinion from three external judges, concluding there was enough evidence to make a decision based on a yearlong UN investigation commissioned by the court. The report found that Khan engaged in a sexual relationship with the victim, which escalated over time and could not be appropriate given the power imbalance.

The 27-page document reviewed by Reuters stated that Khan committed serious breaches of duty and misconduct, including non-consensual sexual contact at his office, private residence, and on missions. At least 63 out of 125 member states are required to pass a vote for dismissal.

Khan has been suspended from the ICC and Britain’s independent regulator for court lawyers. The US has imposed sanctions on 11 ICC judges and prosecutors, including Khan, due to ICC’s arrest warrants against Israeli officials over Israel’s conduct in Gaza and past investigations into the United States.

The allegations have deepened a prolonged crisis at the world’s criminal court, which is also under US sanctions.