The International Criminal Court announced on Monday that its chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, has been suspended pending a special session of the Assembly of States Parties. The move follows a United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) investigation that found evidence of non‑consensual sexual contact involving Khan and a female aide. Khan, who has denied any wrongdoing, will remain on standby while the court’s governing body determines whether he can retain his post.

UN OIOS Report Cites Non‑Consensual Contact in Office and On Missions

The OIOS investigation, cited by the Assembly’s Bureau, concluded that Khan engaged in non‑consensual sexual contact with the aide in multiple settings, including his office, his private residence, and during an overseas mission. the report states that the alleged behavior included locking the office door, touching the aide’s pocket, and requesting she share a hotel bed. According to the source, a three‑judge panel later assessed the findings and deemed the evidence “not conclusive enough” for immediate removal, prompting the suspension instead of dismissal.

Assembly of States Parties Must Secure 63 Votes to Remove Khan

The Assembly of States Parties, which oversees the ICC, will convene a special session to vote on Khan’s future. With 125 member states, a secret ballot requires a simple majority—63 votes—to oust the prosecutor. No date has been set for the session, but the bureau indicated it will be held “as soon as possible.” As the body grapples with this unprecedented situation, it must also navigate newly created procedural rules designed specifically for this case.

Two‑Year Whistleblower Trail Leads to Current Crisis

The allegations first surfaced more than two years ago when the ICC’s independent watchdog received a complaint. An Associated Press investigation later revealed that Khan allegedly moved the aide from another department into his office and made her a regular presence on official trips.. Documents suggest he repeatedly asked her to accompany him on a vacation and to rest on a hotel bed, actions described as “sexually touching her” by the whistleblower. When contacted, Khan’s legal team said a statement would be issued on Tuesday.

What Remains Unverified About the Allegations?

Key uncertainties persist: the exact timeline of the alleged incidents, whether other staff witnessed the behavior, and the legal weight of the OIOS findings given the panel’s “not conclusive” assessment. Additionally, the Assembly has not disclosed how many member states support removal, leaving the balance of power unclear.. As the court’s oversight body prepares to vote, these gaps will shape both the outcome and the ICC’s credibility.

According to the report, Khan had already stepped down temporarily in May 2025 while the investigation unfolded, a move that underscores the gravity of the accusations. the suspension, described as “not an indication of the final outcome,” reflects the Assembly’s cautious approach amid mounting pressure for accountability.