ICC member states remove prosecutor Karim Khan by majority vote
International Criminal Court member states voted to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan following allegations of misconduct involving a subordinate. This marks the first time in the court's history that a sitting prosecutor has been removed by a vote.
Why it matters
The removal of the ICC's top prosecutor during a period of intense political pressure raises questions about the court's independence and future legal proceedings.
Member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) voted by a majority on Friday to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan over misconduct claims, during a special session at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.
According to diplomatic sources, 82 out of the court's 125 members voted by a secret ballot to dismiss the prosecutor, surpassing the absolute majority threshold (63) needed for removal.
Thirteen voted against removal, while 15 abstained.
The President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), Paivi Kaukoranta, confirmed the vote results in a statement to assembly members broadcast live on UN Web TV.
She said the 82 states voted that "the elected official... committed serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty" by engaging in "prohibited conduct against a subordinate staff member".
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