British Legal Body Suspends ICC Prosecutor

Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC), has been suspended by the Bar Standards Board (BSB), the independent regulatory body for barristers in England and Wales. This suspension, effective immediately, was announced in a statement by the BSB on a Friday. This action by the British legal watchdog closely follows the ICC's own suspension of Khan just a week prior, in connection with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct.

Allegations and Investigations

The 56-year-old prosecutor faces accusations of sexual misconduct involving a female aide. These allegations first surfaced more than two years ago, though Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The BSB's statement indicated that an interim suspension panel would review the matter at a hearing scheduled within the next four weeks.

Initially, two colleagues brought misconduct allegations against Khan to the ICC's internal oversight mechanisms. However, an initial investigation was reportedly closed because the woman at the center of the claim declined to file a formal complaint, citing fears of potential retaliation.

ICC's Internal Actions and External Inquiries

On June 8, the ICC's executive committee decided to suspend Khan after its own investigation concluded that he had engaged in "serious misconduct" and a "serious breach of duty." Lawyers representing Khan have publicly rejected the ICC's decision and have indicated their intention to challenge it.

Khan had already temporarily stepped down from his prosecutorial duties in May 2025, pending the outcome of a separate, external inquiry. This inquiry was launched by the United Nations' Office of Internal Oversight Service (OIOS). In April, UN investigators reportedly found that Khan had engaged in "nonconsensual contact" with his aide in various locations, including his office, private residence, and during official missions, according to reports by The Associated Press.

However, a three-judge panel, appointed by the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) – the ICC's oversight body – to conduct a legal assessment of the UN report, rejected its findings. The judges criticized the UN investigators, stating that they "failed to indicate which witnesses' testimony they found credible" and "did not resolve narrative inconsistencies."

High-Profile Cases and Geopolitical Context

Karim Khan has held a prominent role as the ICC's prosecutor, leading numerous high-profile investigations and prosecutions concerning senior figures involved in conflicts in various regions, including Sudan, Russia, and the Middle East. His tenure has been marked by significant international attention, particularly his recent pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in connection with the conflict in Gaza.

This move by Khan prompted a strong reaction from the United States, which does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction. In response, the U.S. imposed sanctions on 11 ICC staff members, including Khan, which involved the revocation of their U.S. visas and the blocking of their bank accounts.

Future Implications

The ongoing investigations and suspensions place Khan's leadership at the ICC in a precarious position. The Wall Street Journal reported on a Thursday that the ICC has scheduled a vote for July 24 to determine whether to formally remove Khan from office, citing diplomatic sources and internal documents. Al Jazeera stated it was unable to independently verify this report at the time.

The situation highlights the complex interplay between internal accountability mechanisms within international legal bodies, external oversight, and the geopolitical pressures that can influence such institutions. The outcome of these proceedings will undoubtedly have significant implications for the leadership and credibility of the International Criminal Court.

Source: British lawyers’ body suspends ICC Prosecutor Khan over misconduct claim