ICC States Parties Remove Karim Khan From Office Over Serious Misconduct

The International Criminal Court’s governing body voted by secret ballot to remove Karim Khan after finding that he committed serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty.

NEW YORK — July 24, 2026 — The Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute has removed Karim Khan from office following a special session held Friday at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

During the session, representatives voted by secret ballot on disciplinary proceedings involving the elected official. The Assembly’s decision received the support of an absolute majority of 82 States Parties.

According to the Assembly, Khan was found to have committed “serious misconduct and serious breach of duty.” He was removed from office under Article 46 of the Rome Statute, which permits the removal of certain elected International Criminal Court officials for serious misconduct, a serious breach of duty or an inability to perform their required functions.

The Assembly did not provide additional details about the conduct behind its decision in the announcement. Its presidency called for the privacy and rights of everyone involved in the proceedings to be respected.

The Assembly of States Parties serves as the International Criminal Court’s management, oversight and legislative body. It comprises representatives from countries that have ratified or joined the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC.

Its bureau consists of a president, two vice presidents and 18 members elected to three-year terms.

Additional information about the disciplinary proceedings and special session is available through the Assembly of States Parties’ official website. The Assembly may also be contacted at asp@icc-cpi.int.