Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) are set to vote on whether to remove Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan over allegations of sexual misconduct, in a decision that could mark a pivotal moment for the court.
Khan denies the allegations, while court documents reviewed by Reuters state that the ICC's governing body concluded he committed serious misconduct involving an inappropriate sexual relationship with a staff member. His lawyers reject any claim that such a relationship existed.
The secret ballot, taking place at the UN headquarters in New York, requires the support of at least 63 of the ICC's 125 member states for Khan to be removed. France and the Netherlands have publicly backed his dismissal.
Supporters of Khan argue that any move to oust him could be viewed as politically motivated, particularly after the ICC issued arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Critics of the court, including the US, have intensified pressure on the ICC, imposing sanctions on several judges and prosecutors, including Khan.
If removed, the ICC would begin the process of selecting a new chief prosecutor. Any arrest warrants already issued by the court would remain in force, as only ICC judges have the authority to revoke them.
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