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ICC removes Karim Khan over sex abuse allegations

ByJustpaste.in

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has officially removed Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan after member states voted in favour of his dismissal over allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision marks a significant leadership change at the world’s top war crimes court, which has been under growing international scrutiny in recent years.

The vote was taken by the Assembly of States Parties, the governing body of the ICC, following months of discussions over the allegations against the British lawyer. Khan had already stepped aside from his duties in June after an oversight process recommended further action.

Karim Khan has consistently denied all allegations. His legal team said the decision to remove him was politically motivated and argued that he was not given a fair opportunity to defend himself during the proceedings.

His lawyers maintained that an independent judicial panel had not found sufficient evidence to establish misconduct under the court’s legal framework. They claimed the final decision ignored those findings and raised concerns about the independence and credibility of the removal process.

The development comes at a sensitive time for the ICC. Khan attracted global attention in 2024 after seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the conflict in Gaza.

The move sparked strong reactions from Israel and the United States. Following the warrants, the administration of US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Khan and several other ICC officials, increasing pressure on the court.

Legal representatives for Khan argued that the prosecutor was removed while facing international political pressure and economic sanctions, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding the vote could affect the court’s independence.

The ICC announced that Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang will jointly lead the Office of the Prosecutor until a new chief prosecutor is elected.

The court said the process to select Khan’s successor will begin soon, but member states are not expected to elect a permanent replacement before next year.

The ICC also clarified that Karim Khan’s removal will not affect existing investigations or previously issued arrest warrants. The warrants issued in 2024 against Israeli officials remain legally valid because only ICC judges have the authority to cancel or withdraw them.

The court reaffirmed its commitment to conducting independent and impartial investigations despite the leadership change. It said its work to investigate alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in different parts of the world will continue without interruption.

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