Karima Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, has been temporarily suspended from her duties pending a special vote by member states. This was reported by Glavkom, citing Reuters.
The decision was made following the conclusion of an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment. After an 18-month investigation, the Executive Bureau of the court’s governing body concluded that Karim Khan had breached his official duties in a case involving sexual harassment of a female lawyer from his office. The Bureau recommended his dismissal from office.
The supervisory body’s findings will be sent to all 125 ICC member states, which are to vote on Khan’s future at a special session.
Khan’s lawyers stated that he categorically disagrees with this decision, emphasizing its illegality and lack of evidence. “This decision is unlawful, procedurally unfair, and unsupported by evidence,” the statement reads.
Karim Khan became the first ICC prosecutor to be officially suspended from his duties. Since May of this year, he has not been leading the Office of the Prosecutor, having taken a leave of absence during the investigation.
As a reminder, in March 2023, Karim Khan issued an arrest warrant for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Later, the Moscow City Court sentenced him to imprisonment in absentia.
