ICC Member States Vote to Remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Over Sexual Misconduct

ICC member states voted Friday to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan — the first such dismissal in the court's history.

For the first time in the International Criminal Court's history, member states have voted to remove its chief prosecutor from office. The vote on Friday ousted British barrister Karim Khan, nearly two years after sexual misconduct allegations against him first surfaced. Khan had led the court since 2021 and was one of the most prominent figures in international criminal justice. His lawyer has indicated he will appeal the decision.

Why it matters

Khan's removal is an unprecedented moment for the ICC, which has never dismissed a chief prosecutor before. The court is currently handling high-profile cases including arrest warrants related to the conflict in Gaza, making the leadership transition significant for ongoing proceedings.

What's next

Khan's lawyer says he will appeal the removal decision.

Key facts

• ICC member states voted Friday to remove Karim Khan as chief prosecutor
• Khan is a British barrister who had led the ICC since 2021
• Sexual misconduct allegations against Khan first emerged nearly two years ago
• This is the first removal of a chief prosecutor in the ICC's history
• Khan's lawyer has announced plans to appeal the decision

Bias & framing notes

Fox News emphasized Khan's connection to the Netanyahu arrest warrant and the Mamdani arrest threat, framing the story through a U.S.-political lens. AP News reported the same core facts more straightforwardly without that political context. Both sources agree on the essential facts: the vote occurred Friday, Khan was removed, and he plans to appeal.

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