Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have voted to officially remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from office following sexual assault and serious misconduct allegations filed against him by a former lawyer in his office.
The decision was made through a secret ballot held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
According to the vote, 82 of the ICC’s 125 member states supported Khan’s removal. Thirteen member states voted for him to remain in office, while 15 abstained. The remaining member states did not participate in the vote.
Paivi Kaukoranta, president of the ICC Assembly of States Parties, said the decision was necessary to preserve the integrity and credibility of the court before the international community and victims of crimes around the world.
The United States welcomed the outcome, describing Khan as a symbol of corruption within the institution.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar also welcomed the decision, saying Khan’s removal was long overdue. Saar again called for the withdrawal of the ICC arrest warrants issued against Israeli leaders.
Meanwhile, Khan’s lawyer, Tayab Ali, said his client would not accept the decision without challenge. Ali said Khan intends to appeal and question what he described as the lawfulness and fairness of the Assembly of States Parties’ voting process.
Khan previously served as the lead prosecutor in the International Criminal Court’s crimes against humanity case involving former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
The ICC vote marks a leadership change at the court as Khan prepares to contest the decision through legal channels.
