125 Countries to Vote on Removing ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Amid Misconduct Allegations

The 125 member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will hold a secret vote on Friday at the United Nations headquarters in New York to decide whether to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. Khan faces serious allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. His legal team claims the investigation process was flawed and that he was not given a fair chance to present his case to the member states before the vote.

To remove Khan from office, at least 63 countries must vote in favor. If approved, this would mark the first time an ICC chief prosecutor has been dismissed. The ICC presidency recommended Khan’s removal following an internal investigation that found "serious inappropriate behavior." However, Khan’s supporters argue that procedural rules were changed during the investigation, casting doubt on its legitimacy.

Khan has been a central figure in the ICC’s recent legal actions against Israel, notably advancing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Despite the controversy surrounding Khan, his deputy is expected to maintain the current prosecutorial approach toward Israel, suggesting the vote may not significantly alter the ICC’s stance on Israeli cases.

This vote comes amid heightened tensions between the ICC and the United States, which has increased pressure on the court, accusing it of infringing on U.S. sovereignty and that of its allies. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on ICC officials and indicated that all diplomatic options remain open in its opposition to the court’s activities.

Legal experts warn that the scandal undermines the ICC’s credibility, which is already under political and legal attack. The vote is seen not only as a judgment on Khan’s personal conduct but also as a test of member states’ trust in the ICC’s independence and impartiality.