The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Karim Khan was suspended from duty with immediate effect the court's governing body said late Monday.

It comes after an 18-month-long probe into allegations of sexual misconduct with a female aide.

In reaction Khan's lawyers described the decision as, "unlawful, procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence."

What are the allegations?
The allegations against Khan were first reported to the court's independent watchdog more than two years ago.

Khan is alleged to have repeatedly harassed a female ICC employee over an extended period.

He had "nonconsensual sexual contact with (the aide) in his office, at his private residence, and whilst on mission," according to a copy of a report by the United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) seen by the Associated Press.

Sources earlier told the Reuters news agency that a report by United Nations investigators found a "factual basis" for the allegations of sexual misconduct.

However, a second report by three judges that reviewed the UN findings said the evidence was insufficient to establish the truth of the allegations "beyond a reasonable doubt."

Khan has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He stepped down in May 2025 pending the outcome of the investigation.

No criminal charges have been filed against Khan.

What comes next?
The Assembly of State Parties (ASP) bureau, the executive committee of the ICC's oversight body, which includes 21 members, decided to refer the case to the Assembly with representation from all of the ICC's member countries.

The decision to suspend Khan was made "by qualified majority," the bureau said. Its assessment was based on "the report of an investigation undertaken by the OIOS, the underlying evidence, the advice of an ad hoc Panel of judicial experts, and written submissions."

A majority of the ICC's 125 member states would have to vote in favor of removing Khan from his role in a secret ballot.

ICC prosecutor's warrants
Khan, chief prosecutor since 2021, issued arrest warrants for figures including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The US increased pressure on the court, especially over the Netanyahu warrant, imposing sanctions on staff and judges.

While 125 states, including all EU members, have joined the court, the US, Russia, and Israel have not.