The International Criminal Court (ICC) has dismissed Prosecutor Karim Khan after the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) found him responsible for serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty, bringing his tenure as the Court’s chief prosecutor to an end.
The decision was adopted during a Special Session of the Assembly of States Parties held on July 24, 2026, following disciplinary proceedings against Khan.
In a statement, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) acknowledged the Assembly’s decision and confirmed that the institution would continue carrying out its mandate without disruption.
“The Office the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court takes note of the decision adopted by the Special Session of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) on 24th July to remove the Prosecutor from office, having found that he has committed serious misconduct and serious breach of duty,” the statement read.
The ICC announced that Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang will continue leading the Office of the Prosecutor. The two have overseen the office’s leadership, management, and administration since Karim Khan stepped aside on leave in May 2025.
The Court sought to reassure victims, affected communities, States Parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders that investigations and prosecutions under its jurisdiction will continue uninterrupted.
“The Office wishes to reassure victims, affected communities, States Parties, civil society partners and all those who support its work that its activities in the fulfilment of its mandate continue without interruption,” the statement added.
The ICC further reaffirmed its commitment to independently and impartially investigating and prosecuting crimes under the Rome Statute, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.
The Office also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on workplace misconduct, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a respectful, safe, and inclusive working environment.
“The Office remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions across all situations under the Court’s jurisdiction to deliver justice for victims of Rome Statute crimes,” the statement said.
Karim Asad Ahmad Khan had served as the ICC Prosecutor since June 2021.
