Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) voted decisively on Friday to remove prosecutor Karim Khan from his position. The decision followed a secret ballot at the UN headquarters, where 82 of 125 member states voted in favor of his dismissal due to allegations of "serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty" involving a female staff member. While only 13 states supported Khan’s retention, his legal team has vowed to challenge the lawfulness of the proceedings, arguing that the process was politically motivated and procedurally unfair.

The case centers on accusations brought forward by a former assistant, who publicly alleged that Khan abused his significant power imbalance to commit physical assault. Throughout the process, Khan has maintained his innocence, categorically denying all claims. The removal has sparked international debate, with the United States and Israel—neither of which are ICC members—applauding the move as a necessary step against a body they have long criticized. Conversely, human rights advocates emphasize that the integrity of the court must transcend any single individual, noting that the institution remains a vital, albeit currently embattled, pillar for global justice.