UK Solicitors Standards Board Suspends Former ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan
The UK’s Solicitors Standards Board (BSB) announced on Friday that it has temporarily suspended Karim Khan, the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), amid allegations of “non-consensual” sexual conduct with a colleague.
The claims emerged in late 2024, coinciding with Khan’s aggressive prosecutorial tactics that led to international warrants against prominent figures like Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The warrant for Netanyahu was connected to the severe fallout from the October 7 Hamas attack, which shocked the world with heinous acts against over 1,200 individuals. The ICC continues to maintain outstanding warrants related to cases Khan has prepared, despite ongoing discussions about whether he should retain his position.
The BSB issued a statement revealing that Khan’s law license has been suspended due to these serious allegations. It explained that, under its regulations, an interim suspension must be reviewed by the Interim Suspension Committee at a public hearing within four weeks.
Comments from Khan’s attorneys emphasized that he has categorically denied any wrongdoing or sexual misconduct, specifically noting that the suspension was announced on June 8. According to attorney Carter Luck, “Our client emphasizes that an independent judicial committee appointed by the Secretariat itself reached the unanimous conclusion that there was no substantiation for any wrongdoing.”
The ICC’s member states, charged with deciding Khan’s fate, will vote on July 24. For him to be removed, 63 countries must support the motion. Khan took on the role of ICC Director of Public Prosecutions in 2021. The ICC, established under the Rome Statute, addresses war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity, but its reach is limited to signatory nations, which does not include the United States. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on ICC officials for attempting to prosecute Netanyahu.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed strong opposition to the ICC, stating it poses national security risks and is perceived as an unjust tool against countries like Israel, a close ally.
The controversy surrounding Khan has made headlines in British newspapers like the *Guardian* and *Daily Mail*, where reports revealed accusations of unwanted sexual conduct. Interestingly, it was noted that the complaint may have been filed by someone other than the alleged victim, who reportedly was against initiating a formal complaint.
Documents reviewed by the *Guardian* listed charges against the 54-year-old Khan, which included prolonged unwanted sexual contact and an instance where he allegedly “pushed his tongue” into a woman’s ear.
Following these serious allegations, the ICC launched an investigation. Khan refuted the claims in a detailed statement, suggesting that the inquiry was retaliatory in nature, targeting influential world leaders. He expressed profound regret that such accusations were made public, asserting the lack of truth to any allegations against him and highlighting the dangers faced by his family during this tumultuous time.
Although Khan had been inactive since the allegations surfaced, the ICC officially suspended him on June 9, concluding a nearly two-year investigation. The ICC stated that its decisions and relevant documents would remain confidential, urging respect for the rights and privacy of all parties involved while reinforcing the integrity of the ongoing process.
