ICC suspends chief prosecutor amid sexual misconduct allegations

Khan, who has repeatedly denied all allegations of misconduct, will remain suspended until the probe into his alleged misconduct is concluded. The matter has been referred to the ICC’s 125 member countries.

The case against Khan stems from allegations made two years ago by a staff member who accused the prosecutor of coercive sexual behavior over 12 months. The claims became public through media reports in late 2024. Khan has been on voluntary leave since May 2025.

The current, independent inquiry into the matter was launched at the ICC’s request after an initial, internal investigation was suspended due to the alleged victim’s refusal to participate. The resulting U.N. report, published last December, said there was evidence supporting the allegations, but did not reach a decisive conclusion.

The probe into Khan comes amid a marked increase in tensions between the ICC and the United States, which is not a member of the international tribunal and has objected to its attempts to prosecute members of the Israeli government for alleged war crimes in Gaza.

Last year, the prosecutor was one of the ICC employees sanctioned by the U.S. after the tribunal issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza.