ICC prosecutor Khan removed over sexual misconduct allegations: Sources - Al Jazeera

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing confirmation from Karim Khan’s legal team, reported that the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court voted on Friday, July 24, 2026, to remove Khan as ICC prosecutor following sexual misconduct allegations. Khan, a British barrister, has denied wrongdoing. His lawyer, Tayab Ali, argued the dismissal was politically driven and procedurally unfair, saying an independent judicial panel had not found misconduct or a breach of duty under the applicable framework.

The decision comes amid major political pressure on the court. Khan had pursued arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged crimes connected to Gaza, drawing strong opposition from Israel and the United States. Al Jazeera reported that the Trump administration had sanctioned Khan and other ICC officials and judges over the Netanyahu warrant. Khan’s defence team said the removal occurred while the court and some of its officials were under sanctions.

According to the report, Khan had already stepped aside in June after an oversight body found he had committed “serious misconduct.” His accuser, identified only as Sarah in CNN reporting cited by Al Jazeera, alleged escalating unwanted touching and groping. Khan’s lawyers dispute the process and say he was not given a fair chance to respond.

The ICC said deputy prosecutors Nazhat Shameen Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang will lead the prosecutor’s office for now. Al Jazeera reported that Khan’s removal starts the process to elect a successor, though a vote is not expected before next year. The dismissal does not immediately affect the Netanyahu and Gallant arrest warrants, which only ICC judges can withdraw.