ICC member states to vote on removing chief prosecutor Karim Khan
9 reported1 unconfirmed
The International Criminal Court faces a crucial vote Friday on whether to permanently remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan, who faces allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide. Khan, a British barrister, has denied the allegations, which were outlined by The Associated Press in a series of stories. The vote, held by the court’s oversight body the Assembly of States Parties, will be secret and requires a majority to oust him. The Netherlands and France are the only two countries to have publicly stated they will vote for removal. The outcome remains unclear, though Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen indicated sufficient support exists. The scandal has divided human rights groups, staff, and member states, with some accusing the executive committee of political interference and others questioning Khan’s moral authority. The court also faces challenges from the Trump administration, which has sanctioned key ICC staff and seeks to further destabilize the tribunal.
What’s reported
The International Criminal Court will vote Friday on whether to permanently remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
Khan faces allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide, which he has denied.
A report by the executive committee of the court’s oversight body found Khan committed “serious misconduct” and engaged in a sexual relationship with the woman.
Khan disputes those findings and has argued the allegations are part of a conspiracy against him for his investigation into Israeli officials.
The female staffer denied being a spy in a CNN interview, and a UN investigation report said “multiple credible witnesses dismissed the notion that she was a spy.”
The vote is secret and requires a majority of the 125 member states in the Assembly of States Parties.
The Netherlands and France are the only two countries to have publicly stated they will vote for removal.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen said there is sufficient support to remove Khan.
The Trump administration has sanctioned key ICC staff and seeks to further destabilize the court.
Open questions
The outcome of the secret vote is unclear, as is the exact balance of power among member states.
Key figures
Karim Khan, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court
Lucy Gaynor, historian of international criminal tribunals at the University of Amsterdam
Josep Borrell, former EU foreign policy chief
Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch
Tom Berendsen, Dutch Foreign Minister
Iva Vukusic, researcher at Utrecht University
Sources: abcnews.com
