ICC Members Vote to Remove Prosecutor Karim Khan
The International Criminal Court's member states voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan. The vote followed sexual misconduct allegations against him.
It happened during a special meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York. The vote passed 82 to 13 with 15 not voting.
Removal needed 63 votes in favor. This is the first time the ICC has removed a chief prosecutor.
The allegations against Khan came out nearly two years ago. They include claims Khan had an improper sexual relationship with a junior staff member.
He is also accused of trying to stop her complaint. Khan has denied the allegations.
Khan's lawyer Tayab Ali said he will appeal the decision. Ali said he regrets that ICC members ignored due process concerns.
More than 180 rights groups had raised those concerns. The vote came days after Khan's accuser gave an interview to CNN.
Khan's removal will not immediately affect ICC arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Only ICC judges can withdraw those warrants not the member states.
Key Terms 3
- ICC International Criminal Court. Global court that tries war crimes and serious human rights cases.
- Assembly of States Parties Group of countries that oversee and govern the ICC.
- due process Fair legal steps and rules that must be followed in a case.