The ICC looks ahead after the ouster of its chief prosecutor - AP News

What the report says

Associated Press reports that backers of the International Criminal Court were assessing the institution’s next steps Saturday after its 125 member states voted Friday to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct allegations. Khan, a British barrister, has denied the allegations involving a female aide. AP says documents it reviewed described a sexual relationship and efforts by Khan to stop the woman from pursuing her claims.

The vote at a special session at U.N. headquarters in New York moved faster than expected. According to diplomats cited anonymously by AP, an early procedural motion that would have made Khan’s removal more difficult failed, and member states proceeded to an ouster vote hours ahead of schedule. Iva Vukusic, a Utrecht University researcher following the process, told AP the margin suggested broader agreement among states than many had anticipated.

The decision comes as the court faces external pressure, including a U.S. campaign announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio against the ICC and prior sanctions targeting Khan and other staff over investigations involving Israeli officials in Gaza and U.S. personnel in Afghanistan. Venezuela also said after the vote that it would withdraw from the court, accusing it of geographic bias. Palestinian Ambassador to the Netherlands Ammar Hijazi said the removal vote should not be read as a proxy decision on any ICC case.

AP reports Khan’s two deputy prosecutors have led the prosecutor’s office since he stepped down in May 2025 and will continue until a successor is chosen. Khan’s lawyer, Tayab Ali, said he plans to challenge the decision through available legal channels, though AP notes there is no direct appeals process for removal.