The case
After nearly two years of investigations into allegations of sexual harassment against the International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, the Court’s 125 States Parties are scheduled to vote tomorrow on whether to proceed with his removal from office.
Source: Luis Lema, “Comment la CPI s’est perdue dans son labyrinthe” Le Temps, 18 July 2026. – By Patricia Ascari, Attorney at Law, law degrees University of Geneva and Università degli studi di Firenze – Guest Contributor
The commentary
The proceedings have been marked by significant procedural complexity, alleged inconsistencies as well as competing interpretations of the investigative process, with Switzerland potentially playing a role in certain aspects. An independent panel of three judges, mandated by the ICC to review the UN investigation, criticised aspects of the inquiry but concluded that the evidence did not establish, beyond a reasonable doubt, professional misconduct or a failure to comply with professional obligations.
Despite the absence of consensus within the ICC Bureau, a majority of its 21 members decided to continue the disciplinary proceedings, referring the matter to the Assembly of States Parties for a final vote.
The decision will take place against a highly contentious geopolitical backdrop, including mounting US criticism of the ICC and threats to dismantle the institution, as well as the Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Regardless of the outcome concerning the question of the Chief Prosecutor’s removal, the fundamental principles of international justice themselves may be at risk.
