Key facts
- ICC member states will vote on Friday on whether to dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
- Khan faces allegations of serious misconduct, including an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior staff member.
- Khan denies all allegations and his lawyers have challenged the legality and fairness of the process.
- The U.S. has sanctioned Khan and other ICC officials over the court's investigation into Israeli officials.
- A dismissal requires an absolute majority of at least 63 out of 125 member states.
- France and the Netherlands have stated they will vote in favour of Khan's removal.
International Criminal Court member states are scheduled to vote on Friday on the potential dismissal of chief prosecutor Karim Khan, a move that would be a historic first for the 24-year-old institution. The vote stems from allegations of serious misconduct, including an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior staff member, which Khan denies. His lawyers have characterized the process leading to the vote as unlawful and procedurally unfair.
The proceedings are occurring amidst renewed criticism from the United States, which views the ICC as a threat to its sovereignty and has previously imposed sanctions on Khan and other court officials over investigations into Israeli and U.S. personnel. Supporters of Khan suggest the push for his removal is politically motivated, particularly following the ICC's pursuit of arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials.
To be dismissed, Khan requires an absolute majority of at least 63 votes from the court's 125 member states in a secret ballot to be held at the UN headquarters in New York. France and the Netherlands have publicly announced their intention to vote in favour of his removal. If Khan is dismissed, an election process for a new prosecutor would be initiated, with a replacement not expected before next year. Any existing ICC warrants would remain in effect, as only ICC judges can withdraw them.