ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Faces Unprecedented Removal Vote

Published Jul 24, 04:02 AM UTC

Diplomats from 125 nations are gathering at UN headquarters in New York for an unprecedented vote on whether to permanently remove International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan. The British barrister has been accused of sexual misconduct with a female aide, allegations he denies. In June, the ICC's oversight body found he committed 'serious breach of duty and serious misconduct' over a sexual relationship. Khan is barred from entering the U.S. due to Trump administration sanctions linked to the ICC's investigation into Israeli officials over the Gaza conflict. His lawyers have protested his inability to attend the closed-door meeting. The Netherlands has publicly announced it will vote for removal. The vote is secret and the outcome is uncertain. The case has deepened divisions at the court, which is already under strain from political pressures, including backlash over arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. If removed, Khan's replacement will be elected later.