125 countries to vote Friday on permanent removal of ICC chief accused of sexual misconduct

On Friday, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court's Assembly of States Parties will vote on the permanent removal of chief prosecutor Karim Khan. Khan was formally removed from his duties in June after the court's oversight body found he committed a "serious breach of duty and serious misconduct" by engaging in a "sexual relationship" with a female aide, allegations he denies. Khan is barred from the closed-door meeting in New York due to US sanctions related to the ICC's investigation into Israeli officials for the war in Gaza. His lawyers argue this absence violates fair legal process, stating, "We know of no court or tribunal in any proper and fair legal system that bars a person facing the gravest professional sanction from being heard." The Netherlands is the only country to publicly announce it will vote for his removal. The outcome is uncertain, and the court faces significant internal divisions and external pressure, with one expert noting, "the court is going to walk away bruised and battered and wounded and less able to face the greater threats."