The International Criminal Court (ICC) voted on Friday to remove its chief prosecutor Karim Khan over findings of “gross misconduct and grave breach of duty”, nearly two years after allegations of sexual abuse first surfaced. The decision comes as the Hague-based court faces increasing pressure from the United States, which has stepped up its campaign against the institution.The ICC’s 125 member states approved Khan’s removal by a large majority during a meeting of the Assembly of States Parties, the court’s governing body. British barrister Khan has consistently denied the allegations against him.The move was welcomed by the United States, which has recently increased its criticism of the ICC. Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced what he called “a comprehensive campaign to eliminate the threat posed by the International Criminal Court to American sovereignty.”
Why was Khan removed?
The 56-year-old prosecutor was accused of sexual misconduct with a female colleague. According to documents reviewed by The Associated Press, Khan allegedly had sexual relations with the staff member and later attempted to prevent her from pursuing charges. Khan has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.Announcing the decision, the Assembly of States Parties said Khan was removed for “gross misconduct and grave breach of duty”.Human Rights Watch welcomed the verdict, saying the court should maintain the highest standards of accountability.“The ICC must hold itself to the highest standards. This includes ensuring a safe workplace with effective and reliable mechanisms for employees or others who experience abuse, including sexual violence or harassment,” Liz Evenson, international justice director at Human Rights Watch, told the AP.Khan’s legal team criticized the proceedings, arguing that he was not given a fair opportunity to defend himself before member states voted.Lawyer Tayyab Ali said Khan’s “removal was determined by a process in which he was never given a fair opportunity to be heard, and it was in disregard of the findings of independent judges who had examined the entire evidentiary record.”He said Khan’s lawyers would challenge the verdict “through all available legal mechanisms”. The Assembly will now begin the process of electing a new Chief Prosecutor.
America intensifies campaign against ICC
Khan’s removal comes at a time when the Trump administration has intensified its confrontation with the ICC. In a statement released last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would pressure countries to withdraw from the court, impose sanctions on organizations working with it and impose travel bans on ICC officials.Rubio said, “The United States was launching a comprehensive campaign to eliminate the threat posed by the International Criminal Court to American sovereignty.”The Trump administration has already imposed sanctions on 13 ICC officials, including Khan, after the court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Galant over the war in Gaza. The ICC has also investigated alleged crimes involving US personnel in Afghanistan.