Karim Khan, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is at the center of a significant internal crisis following his dismissal by ICC member states. This decision, made during a vote at the United Nations headquarters in New York, stems from serious allegations of sexual misconduct.
Khan's Rise to Prominence and Legal Background
Khan, who gained international attention in May 2024 for seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has faced continuous scrutiny throughout his career. His early legal career included representing former Liberian President Charles Taylor at his war crimes trial, where he dramatically exited the courtroom in 2007 after being dismissed.
No one can act with impunity.
Karim Khan, ICC Prosecutor
Born in Edinburgh to a Pakistani father and a British mother, Khan's legal training in London led him to serve as a legal adviser for UN war crimes tribunals in the late 1990s. His responsibilities included high-profile cases involving Kenya, Sudan, and Libya.
- Oversaw investigation into Rodrigo Duterte's drug war in the Philippines.
- Issued arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin in 2023, leading to his conviction in Russia.
- Focused on sexual crimes and children's rights during his tenure.
As ICC chief prosecutor, Khan initiated an investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings in the Philippines under former President Rodrigo Duterte. Following Duterte's arrest in March 2025, Khan described the event as a crucial step toward accountability for crimes against humanity.
Allegations and Political Pressures
Khan's tenure has not been without controversy. After seeking warrants against Netanyahu, he faced backlash from several nations, including the United States, which imposed sanctions on him and other ICC officials. In October 2024, allegations of sexual misconduct emerged from a junior lawyer in his office, prompting Khan to take a leave of absence.
Despite denying the allegations, an internal investigation concluded that Khan had engaged in an inappropriate relationship, leading to his dismissal. This situation has raised questions about the political motivations behind the allegations, with Khan's defenders suggesting they are part of a broader campaign against him.
As ICC member states now prepare for an election to appoint a new prosecutor, the future of the court and its credibility hangs in the balance, reflecting the intricate interplay of law, politics, and international relations.