A majority of member states of the International Criminal Court voted to remove Prosecutor Karim Khan from his post, after a secret ballot during an extraordinary session held at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The International Criminal Court said in a statement on Friday that it held an extraordinary session on disciplinary proceedings concerning an elected official.

It added that it adopted, via secret ballot and by an absolute majority of 82 states parties, a decision that Khan committed misconduct, breached his duties, and removed him from office under Article 46 of the Rome Statute, while Khan consistently denies these accusations.

Office of the Prosecutor continues its work

Following the decision, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court affirmed the continuation of its work without interruption, stressing the continuation of investigations and prosecutions independently and impartially, and adherence to a zero-tolerance policy for any form of misconduct.

The office said in a statement that it was informed of the decision adopted by the extraordinary session of the Assembly of States Parties, ordering the removal of the Prosecutor.

It added that following the decision, the Deputy Prosecutors, Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang, will continue to lead the Office of the Prosecutor, noting that they have been handling the responsibilities of leading, managing, and supervising the office's work since Karim Khan went on leave in May 2025.

Affirmation of commitment to achieving justice

The statement stressed that the office remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions in all cases within the court's jurisdiction, ensuring justice for victims of crimes stipulated in the Rome Statute.

The statement affirmed that the Office of the Prosecutor adopts a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct, and continues its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability in performing its duties.

It also pointed out that the office will continue working to provide a work environment based on respect, safety, and inclusion, prioritizing its duty of care towards its staff.

The beginning of the story

Allegations of sexual harassment first emerged within the court in May 2024. Khan, who repeatedly denied the accusations, temporarily stepped aside from his duties in May of last year pending the outcome of the investigation.

The accusations became public later that year, when the British Daily Mail newspaper reported in October 2024 that an official at the court complained about Khan's behavior towards one of her colleagues, who in turn reported the allegations to the court's human resources department.

In November, the Hague-based court announced that it had commissioned an independent investigation into the allegations 'to ensure a fully independent, impartial, and fair process'.

Two sources told Reuters, after Khan's temporary stepping aside, that a report prepared by United Nations investigators concluded there was a 'factual basis' for the sexual misconduct claims made by one of the assistants, and that witness statements 'support her accusations'.

But they said a second report prepared by three judges, which analyzed the UN report, concluded that the evidence was insufficient to prove the allegations 'beyond a reasonable doubt'.

Lawyers representing Khan told Reuters last April that the judges unanimously concluded that 'the findings on the facts do not establish misconduct or breach of duty'.

Khan noted that allegations against him were referred to the Independent Oversight Mechanism (IOM) in May 2024, and were closed without opening a formal investigation because no complaint was filed by the person concerned, pointing out that a 'third party' claiming to be affected rejected the option of investigation either by the mechanism or an external body.

Israeli and American threats

Russian President Vladimir Putin is among the most prominent leaders against whom arrest warrants were issued during Karim Khan's tenure as chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, in March 2023, as the court accused him of committing 'war crimes consisting of the deportation and illegal transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia'.

Khan also sought an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over accusations of committing war crimes and genocide in Gaza, which drew criticism from Israel and the United States and threats of actions and sanctions against court officials.

The arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister sparked sharp political reactions, as Netanyahu threatened Khan in May 2024, calling him 'corrupt,' and later said that Khan should be worried about his own position.

In response, Khan defended the court's work, affirming in media statements that the institution would not be affected by political pressures or threats, whether public or undisclosed.