ICC Member States Vote to Dismiss Prosecutor Karim Khan

Updated at: July 25, 2026 at 01:15 AM

On July 24, 2026, the International Criminal Court (ICC) reached a historic milestone by voting to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan.

nounInternational Criminal Court

verbreach

adjectivehistoric

nounKarim Khan

In a secret ballot at the UN headquarters, 82 of the 125 member states voted for his dismissal following investigations into allegations of serious sexual misconduct.

noundismissal

nounallegation

adjectiveserious

Khan, who had been on leave since May 2025, was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a junior lawyer and attempting to suppress her claims.

adjectiveinappropriate

While the oversight body found him guilty of serious misconduct and breach of duty, Khan has consistently maintained his innocence, labeling the process as unfair and vowing to challenge the decision legally.

adjectiveserious

nouninnocence

adverblegally

Despite the leadership vacancy, the ICC emphasized that its previous rulings, including arrest warrants for international figures, remain legally valid.

adverblegally

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Comprehension Questions

What was the main reason for Karim Khan's dismissal from the ICC?

Allegations of serious sexual misconduct and breach of duty.

Failure to issue arrest warrants for heads of state.

Mismanagement of the court's financial budget.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

Allegations of serious sexual misconduct and breach of duty.

How many member states voted in favor of removing Karim Khan?

125 member states.

13 member states.

82 member states.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

82 member states.

What is the status of the arrest warrants issued during Khan's tenure?

They are pending a review by the new prosecutor.

They remain valid as they were issued by judges.

They were immediately voided by the court.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

They remain valid as they were issued by judges.

How has Karim Khan reacted to the allegations and the disciplinary process?

He accepted the verdict and resigned immediately.

He chose to remain silent to protect the court's reputation.

He has denied all allegations and plans to challenge the decision legally.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

He has denied all allegations and plans to challenge the decision legally.

When did the oversight body conclude that Khan committed serious misconduct?

July 2026.

June 2026.

May 2025.

Reveal Answer

✓

Correct Choice

June 2026.

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