Karim Khan removed from the post of ICC Chief Prosecutor amid allegations of sexual abuse, know the whole matter

New Delhi: A major and very important change has taken place in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The member countries have removed the court’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan from his post through a secret ballot. This decision was taken after allegations of sexual misconduct and serious misconduct were made by one of his former female colleagues. The decision to remove Karim Khan has come at a time when ICC is already investigating many sensitive and big international cases of the world. During the meeting held at the United Nations Headquarters, the member countries voted and decided by majority vote to take action against them.

ICC member countries voted during a closed-door meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. Out of total 125 member countries of the court, 82 countries voted in favor of removing Karim Khan from the post. At the same time, 13 countries voted in support of Khan and 15 countries kept distance from voting. The remaining member countries did not participate in the voting.

The voting results were as follows:

In favor of removal from the post: 82 countries
In support of Karim Khan: 13 countries
Abstained from voting: 15 countries
The remaining member countries did not participate in the voting.

Former colleague had made serious allegations

This case against Karim Khan came to light in May 2025. One of his former female colleagues had made serious allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Due to security reasons, the identity of the complainant has not been made public and she has been addressed as ‘Sarah’. This lawyer of Malaysian origin had alleged that Karim Khan’s behavior became serious with time and the matter reached the level of alleged physical assault. The woman had also said that when a person has a lot of power and position, the question of consent becomes very complex for the person working under him. After his allegations, investigation into the case started. Karim Khan was also suspended from his post last month during the investigation.

Karim Khan called the allegations wrong

Karim Khan has completely rejected all the allegations leveled against him. He says that he did not do any wrong. His lawyer has also indicated that all available legal options will be used to challenge this decision. According to the lawyer, Karim Khan is raising questions on the fairness and legal validity of this decision. In such a situation, the legal process regarding this matter may move forward in the coming time.

ICC welcomed the decision

The International Criminal Court based in The Hague has accepted the decision of the member countries. Paivi Kaukoranta, President of the Assembly of States Parties, said that the member states have taken a united decision to maintain the dignity and impartiality of the court. He said that even after this decision, the ICC’s work in investigating international crimes and providing justice to the victims will continue. According to him, it is very important to maintain the institutional credibility of the court.

Took over the responsibility of Chief Prosecutor of ICC in 2021

Karim Khan took over as the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in the year 2021. During his tenure, he played an important role in many big and very sensitive matters of the world. He had also taken a big step at the international level in the matter related to Gaza conflict. In the year 2024, he had demanded the issuance of arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the then Defense Minister Yoav Galant.

During the investigation of the same case, arrest warrants were also issued against several top leaders of Hamas. Some of these leaders were later killed in military action. Karim Khan’s tenure was associated with many major international issues and controversies. Now after his removal from the post, there will be a change in the leadership of ICC and the world will keep an eye on the process of selecting the next Chief Prosecutor of the court.