The Assembly of States Parties of the International Criminal Court voted 82 to 13 to remove Prosecutor Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a staff member. According to EFE and AFP reports, the decision at United Nations headquarters in New York ended a disciplinary process that began after Khan stepped aside in May 2025.
Assembly Vote and Procedural Thresholds at the UN
Delegates gathered at United Nations headquarters in New York for an extraordinary session to examine the disciplinary procedure involving Karim Khan. According to EFE and AFP coverage, the vote reached 82 in favor, 13 against, and 15 abstentions. This outcome cleared the absolute majority of 63 votes required by the Rome Statute to remove the chief prosecutor.
Khan, a 56-year-old British lawyer of Pakistani origin who led the prosecutor’s office starting in 2021, denied any inappropriate, unwanted, or abusive conduct. EFE and AFP note that Khan had already stepped down from his daily duties in May 2025 to defend himself against the allegations brought by a member of his team.
Did you know?
Under the Rome Statute governing the International Criminal Court, removing a chief prosecutor requires an absolute majority vote among the participating States Parties gathered in an assembly session.
Gaza Warrant Inquiries and US Sanctions Context
The removal follows a high-profile period for the prosecutor’s office. According to EFE and AFP, Khan drew intense international attention in May 2024 when he requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the war in Gaza. Warrants were also sought against several members of Hamas, all of whom have since died. In response to these actions, the United States imposed economic sanctions and travel bans on Khan.
Legal representatives for Khan pushed back against the proceedings through an open letter published on X. According to EFE and AFP, the defense team argued that the confidential reports underpinning the investigation failed to demonstrate reproachable conduct. The lawyers warned that the removal signals to prosecutors that institutional machinery can turn against its own leaders when judicial independence becomes inconvenient for certain nations.
Reactions from Israeli Officials and Legal Challenges
Israeli leadership welcomed the decision by the Assembly of States Parties. According to EFE and AFP, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon posted on X that the prosecutor attempted to distract from misconduct allegations using political actions against Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also saluted the departure, labeling the former prosecutor corrupt.
Following the 82-to-13 vote, Khan announced plans to contest the ruling. According to EFE and AFP, the former prosecutor stated that he would challenge his dismissal through all available legal channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Karim Khan removed from the International Criminal Court?
According to EFE and AFP, the Assembly of States Parties voted to remove Karim Khan following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a member of his team.
How many votes were required to remove the ICC prosecutor?
According to EFE and AFP reports from the UN session in New York, an absolute majority of 63 votes was required. The motion passed with 82 votes in favor, 13 against, and 15 abstentions.
What previous actions did Karim Khan take regarding Gaza?
According to EFE and AFP, Khan requested arrest warrants in May 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and several Hamas members over the conflict in Gaza.
How did Karim Khan respond to the allegations and dismissal?
According to EFE and AFP, Khan denied committing any inappropriate or abusive conduct and stated that he will challenge his dismissal through all available legal avenues.
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