Karim Khan, ICC Prosecutor Who Issued Netanyahu Warrants, Suspended Over Sex Abuse Claims
Karim Khan, ICC Prosecutor Who Issued Netanyahu Warrants, Suspended Over Sex Abuse Claims Curated By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 17:38 IST Khan, who has
Karim Khan, ICC Prosecutor Who Issued Netanyahu Warrants, Suspended Over Sex Abuse Claims Curated By, Last Updated: June 09, 2026, 17:38 IST Khan, who has denied the accusations, is facing claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour involving a woman who worked in his office. Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan stepped aside in May 2025, taking a leave of absence while he fought the allegations. (AFP photo) The International Criminal Court (ICC) has suspended its chief prosecutor Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct, the court’s governing body said on Monday. Khan, who has denied the accusations, is facing claims of inappropriate sexual behaviour involving a woman who worked in his office. According to a statement from the Assembly of State Parties (ASP) bureau, the 21-member body decided by a qualified majority to suspend Khan from duty with immediate effect. The move comes after an 18-month investigation into allegations of non-consensual sexual conduct involving a lawyer in his office.
The bureau said the suspension was pending a final decision by all 125 ICC member states. A diplomatic source said the bureau had found serious misconduct during its review, which included findings from the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services, advice from an expert panel, and written testimony, Reuters reported. However, the ASP stressed that the suspension does not indicate the final outcome of the case. A special session of member states will now be convened to decide whether Khan should be removed from office. Khan stepped aside in May 2025, taking a leave of absence while he fought the allegations. The suspension is expected to have limited operational impact, as he was already not actively handling court duties, including high-profile proceedings such as the case against former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte. Israel Seeks Revocation Of Netanyahu Warrants The development has drawn a strong reaction from Israel. Israeli ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon said the suspension showed the ICC was “rotten to the core" and called for the court to cancel arrest warrants issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant over the Gaza war.
“The suspension of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following a UN investigation proves that this institution is rotten to its core. Now it is time to cancel the outrageous arrest warrants against Prime Minister Netanyahu!" Danon wrote on X. The suspension of ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan following a UN investigation proves that this institution is rotten to its core.Now it is time to cancel the outrageous arrest warrants against Prime Minister Netanyahu! pic.twitter.com/X8yWLAncnp — Danny Danon 🇮🇱 דני דנון (@dannydanon) June 9, 2026 The warrants, issued in November 2024, relate to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Israeli officials have repeatedly criticised the ICC, accusing it of bias against the country. Khan, a British lawyer, was also among the first ICC officials sanctioned by the United States, Israel’s close ally, following those decisions. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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