ICC member states dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct allegations
The Assembly of States Parties voted 82-13 to remove the 56-year-old British prosecutor, who denies assaulting a female subordinate, during a special meeting at UN headquarters in New York on Friday, 24 July 2026.
The International Criminal Court's member states voted decisively on 24 July 2026 to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan from office, following an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct that Khan repeatedly denied. The vote, held at UN headquarters in New York, attracted 82 votes in favour, 13 against, and 15 abstentions among the 125 member states, according to diplomatic sources cited by Reuters and AFP.
The road to dismissal
Khan, aged 56, stepped aside temporarily in May 2025 after a former female subordinate accused him of sexual assault, an allegation he has consistently rejected. In June 2026, the 21-member Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties suspended him and convened Friday's exceptional meeting. The Bureau indicated at the time that its decision did not prejudge the "final outcome" of the case.
The member states have taken the right decision by removing Khan.
What the vote means for existing warrants
The dismissal does not alter any arrest warrants already issued by the court. Only ICC judges have the authority to modify or withdraw warrants, and the articles emphasise that those currently in force remain valid. Khan had become one of the most recognised and controversial figures in international justice after seeking arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip. The applications also targeted Hamas leaders who have since been killed.
Khan had also clashed with Russia after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin in 2023 over the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. In retaliation, a Russian court convicted Khan in absentia in 2025.
- In favour (82)
- 82
- Against (13)
- 13
- Abstentions (15)
- 15
- Absent / not voting (15)
- 15
Political backdrop and US pressure
The leadership change at the ICC's prosecution office comes as the Trump administration has intensified its criticism of the court. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated recently that Washington is running a broad campaign to limit the court's influence, arguing that the institution poses a threat to US sovereignty. American officials have said they are examining extending sanctions and travel restrictions against ICC officials.
France, Norway, and the Netherlands had publicly announced before the vote that they supported Khan's removal. Israel's ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, argued that the prosecutor had sought to divert attention from the allegations against him by initiating proceedings against Israeli leaders.
- ICC issues arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.
- Khan seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, former defence minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders.
- Khan temporarily steps aside after a female subordinate accuses him of sexual assault; he denies the allegation.
- A Russian court convicts Khan in absentia.
- The 21-member Bureau of the Assembly suspends Khan and calls a special meeting for July 2026.
- ICC member states vote 82-13-15 to dismiss Khan; election of a successor begins, expected no sooner than 2027.
What comes next
The dismissal triggers the procedure for electing a new chief prosecutor, though the appointment of a successor is unlikely before next year. The court's work on existing investigations continues unaffected.
