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ICC Member States Advance Disciplinary Case Against Prosecutor Karim Khan

The vote signals a deepening test of the court’s governance.

Overview

  • The Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the International Criminal Court, voted Wednesday to continue a disciplinary process, with 15 in favor, two abstentions, and four against, according to multiple reports.
  • A three-judge panel appointed by the Assembly reviewed more than 5,000 pages and found the UN inquiry did not prove misconduct beyond a reasonable doubt, a conclusion that would permit Khan to resume work.
  • UN internal investigators reported a factual basis for claims that Khan had nonconsensual sexual contact with a female aide at the office, at his private residence, and while on mission.
  • Khan remains on leave and denies wrongdoing, while a letter from staff in the prosecutor’s office opposed his return and described fears of retaliation.
  • The case has prompted an unprecedented disciplinary process with new procedures at the court, which has also faced U.S. sanctions after it pursued arrest warrants for Israeli officials.