: Special session in New York: States Parties to decide on dismissal of ICC Chief Prosecutor Khan

Khan has already had the office of Chief Prosecutor on hold since May 2025. He was officially suspended at the beginning of June 2026. The background is an ongoing process regarding sexual abuse allegations against the 56-year-old Briton. The allegations stem from incidents in May 2024 and concern a staff member of the Court.

Background of the allegations

According to the news agency AP, a confidential report speaks of repeated "non-consensual sexual contact" between Khan and the employee, particularly during joint official trips abroad. Khan denies the accusations and had already rejected them in a public statement in 2024.

In his statement at the time, Khan emphasised that the allegations came at a time when both he personally and the ICC had been the target of "numerous attacks and threats." Judges at the Court found, according to Khan's defence lawyer, that "no misconduct or breach of duty" had been proven.

Khan had been Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court since 2021. In this capacity, he applied, among other things, for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged crimes in the Gaza war. These arrest warrants were issued in November 2024, after Khan had applied for them in May 2024.

Political pressure from Washington

The United States responded to the arrest warrants with sanctions. Only recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio again threatened to "dismantle" the Court. Tensions between Washington and The Hague have intensified markedly since the arrest warrants were issued against senior Israeli officials.

The special session in New York is considered politically highly sensitive, as the fate of the Chief Prosecutor of an international tribunal that is itself under massive pressure is being decided. Observers see the proceedings also as a test for the independence of the ICC.

What the vote means

If the required majority of 63 states votes in favour of Khan's dismissal, this would be an unprecedented step in the Court's history. In the event of a rejection, Khan could theoretically return to his post, although it is unclear whether he would actually resume the office.

Regardless of the outcome of the proceedings, the ICC continues to face the consequences of the arrest warrants against Israeli politicians. US sanctions and threats from Washington continue to put the Court under pressure, while at the same time the leadership question must be decided.

The upcoming vote in New York is therefore regarded both as a personnel decision on Khan and as a signal for the future operational capability of the International Criminal Court. Diplomats expect that the negotiations behind closed doors could last several days.