The International Criminal Court has announced that Karim Khan has been temporarily suspended from his duties and his future will be determined by a vote of the court’s member states.
The move follows an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment against him; the executive board of the International Criminal Court’s governing body has reportedly concluded, after an 18-month investigation, that he had committed “serious misconduct” and recommended his removal.
The results of these reviews are to be sent to the 125 member states to decide and vote on his future work in a special meeting.
The court’s official statement said that a final decision on the disciplinary process had been made and the matter had been referred to the Assembly of Member States, but the details were not published due to the confidentiality of the documents.
Karim Khan’s lawyers have rejected the decision, insisting that their client denies any wrongdoing. They have described the move as “illegal, unfair and lacking sufficient evidence.”
This case comes at a time when the International Criminal Court is also facing pressure and sanctions from the United States. Karim Khan had voluntarily suspended his activities since May of last year until the results of the investigation were clear.
