Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been suspended amidst allegations of sexual harassment. This development occurs as the court’s member states deliberate on potential disciplinary actions, continuing a period of instability for the institution over the last two years.
The Suspension and Confidential Deliberations
The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, comprising 21 members, announced the suspension on Monday. While the body made a decision regarding the accusations of misconduct against Khan, the specifics remain confidential. The matter has now been referred to the full assembly for further disciplinary proceedings.
A source familiar with the decision indicated that a majority of the bureau members concluded that Khan, who was already on voluntary leave, had engaged in serious misconduct.
Future Uncertain for Khan
Although the suspension is a significant step, it is still unclear if Khan will be permanently removed from his position. According to ICC rules, removal occurs only if a majority of the full Assembly of States Parties concludes that he committed serious misconduct and votes in favor of his dismissal.
Khan’s legal team issued a statement through Reuters, denying the allegations, describing the decision as unlawful, procedurally unfair, and lacking evidence.
Procedural Rules and Suspension
Under the ICC’s rules, a chief prosecutor may be suspended pending the final decision on disciplinary actions if the allegations are of a sufficiently severe nature. Notably, the bureau clarified that the suspension does not predict the eventual outcome of the disciplinary process.
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