ICC Member States to Vote on Removing Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The International Criminal Court faces a pivotal leadership decision as its 125 member states prepare to vote on whether to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following a confidential UN investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. The vote is scheduled for July 24, with Khan's suspension already in place since June while disciplinary proceedings conclude.

The Allegations and Investigation

A female ICC employee who worked as Khan's direct assistant has alleged that he sexually harassed her and subjected her to non-consensual physical contact over approximately one year beginning in February 2023. According to a confidential UN investigative report obtained by CNN, the allegations include groping, attempted kissing, and digital and genital penetration. Khan has repeatedly denied these allegations.

The woman, identified as Sarah, is a lawyer originally from Malaysia who has worked for the ICC since 2017. In a world-exclusive interview, she described the alleged misconduct as an escalation of boundary violations that began gradually and became increasingly physical. She expressed feeling "humiliated" by the situation and explained that the power imbalance—with Khan serving as her direct superior and the institution's chief prosecutor—prevented any meaningful consent.

"There is no way for something to be consensual when you have such a power disparity. What I think many people don't understand is that Mr. Khan was not just my boss, he was everyone's boss," Sarah told CNN.

Professional and Personal Impact

Sarah described freezing during some incidents and being afraid to reject Khan's advances due to concerns about losing her job, livelihood, and her work visa, which allows her to reside in the Netherlands with her family. Despite remaining employed at the ICC, she stated she never sought this public role and was compelled to speak following months of UN investigation into her confidential complaints.

What Happens Next

The ICC's oversight body suspended Khan in June while the disciplinary process advanced. The case has now been referred to representatives from all 125 member states, who will determine whether to uphold the suspension and what additional disciplinary measures, if any, should be imposed. Khan's defense team and some supporters have suggested the allegations are connected to efforts to damage his reputation following his pursuit of arrest warrants in other high-profile cases.