International Criminal Court Suspends Prosecutor Alleging Sexual Misconduct.

Hague; June 2026: The Presidency of the International Criminal Court (ICC) takes note of the decision taken by the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute on 08th June to refer the disciplinary proceedings against the Prosecutor of the Court to the Assembly of States Parties, as the competent decision-maker; suspend the Prosecutor from duty with immediate effect, pending the final decision; and convene a special session of the Assembly of States Parties for it to consider the matter. The Court respectfully invites the Assembly of the State Parties to conclude the process with the highest priority.

Pursuing accountability for international crimes through independent and impartial proceedings, providing recognition and redress to victims of mass atrocities, as well as fostering the dignity, rights and aspirations of the Court’s personnel are key priorities of the Court’s leadership. These values are shared by all ICC officials, whose dedication to the Court’s mandate will always remain unwavering.

The Presidency recalls that the International Criminal Court is one of the most significant achievements of human civilisation. Prompted by its duty to ensure the proper functioning of the Court as a whole and its reputation, the integrity of judicial proceedings, the rights of victims and suspects and the well-being and serenity of the Court’s staff, the Presidency invites everyone in the Court and all stakeholders to place in the forefront, at all times, the interests of the institution and our collective duty to offer the victims and affected communities the justice and hope they deserve, for the sake of present and future generations.

At its meeting on 8 June 2026, the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, by qualified majority:

• made a decision on the disciplinary proceedings involving the Prosecutor;

• referred the disciplinary proceedings to the Assembly of States Parties;

• decided, in accordance with rule 28 of the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, to suspend the Prosecutor from duty with immediate effect pending the final decision of the Assembly of States Parties as the competent decision-maker. The Bureau emphasizes that this suspension is not an indication of the final outcome; and

• decided to convene a special session of the Assembly of States Parties, as soon as possible, in order for the Assembly to consider the matter.

The assessment of the Bureau was based on the report of an investigation undertaken by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions.

The decision of the Bureau and the related documentation will remain confidential. The Bureau continues to call for due respect for the privacy and the rights of all parties concerned, as well as for the integrity of the ongoing process.

[[The Assembly of States Parties is the management oversight and legislative body of the ICC. It is comprised of representatives of States that have ratified and acceded to the Rome Statute. The Bureau of the Assembly consists of a President, two Vice-Presidents and 18 members elected by the Assembly for three-year terms]].

Taking into cognizance the decision of the bureau, the International Criminal Court has suspended Prosecutor Karim Khan “with immediate effect” following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct made against him. Karim Khan has repeatedly denied the allegations, which first emerged in 2024 when multiple allegations relating to a female colleague at the Hague were reported, involving the prominent British lawyer.

The ICC’s governing body will send the conclusion reached by its internal investigation on to members, who will decide Karim Khan’s future in a special session convened at a later date. The body also stressed the suspension does not prejudge the outcome of the case. “Fostering the dignity, rights and aspirations of the court’s personnel are key priorities of the court’s leadership”, the President’s office said.

Team Maverick.