**Title: British Lawyers’ Body Suspends ICC Prosecutor Khan Over Misconduct Claim**
In a significant development, the Bar Standards Board (BSB), the independent regulatory body for lawyers in the UK, has suspended Karim Khan, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The suspension, effective immediately, follows a series of allegations of sexual misconduct against Khan, which have been under scrutiny for over two years.
The BSB's announcement comes just a week after the ICC took similar action, suspending Khan based on findings of "serious misconduct" and a "serious breach of duty." Khan, who has been at the forefront of high-profile prosecutions involving senior figures in various international conflicts, including those in Sudan, Russia, and the Middle East, has denied any wrongdoing.
The allegations against Khan were initially brought to light by two colleagues who reported misconduct to the ICC's oversight body. However, the investigation faced complications when the woman involved in the allegations opted not to file a formal complaint, citing fears of retaliation. This decision occurred during a period when Khan was actively pursuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In response to Khan's actions and the ICC's investigations, the United States, which does not recognize the ICC, imposed sanctions on 11 ICC staff members, including Khan. These sanctions included revoking their U.S. visas and blocking their bank accounts.
The ICC's executive committee made the decision to suspend Khan on June 8, following an investigation that corroborated the allegations of serious misconduct. Khan's legal team has expressed their intention to challenge this decision.
Prior to the ICC's suspension, Khan had temporarily stepped down from his role as Prosecutor since May 2025, pending the results of an external inquiry conducted by the United Nations’ Office of Internal Oversight Services. In April, the UN investigation concluded that Khan had engaged in "nonconsensual contact" with his aide in various settings, including his office and during official missions. However, a subsequent review by a three-judge panel from the ICC's Assembly of States Parties (ASP) dismissed the UN's findings, citing a lack of credible witness testimony and unresolved inconsistencies in the narratives provided.
As the situation unfolds, the ICC has scheduled a vote for July 24 to determine whether Khan will be permanently removed from his position. This upcoming decision is being closely watched by legal experts and diplomats, as it could have significant implications for the ICC's operations and its leadership.
Khan's suspension by both the BSB and the ICC marks a notable moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding accountability and misconduct within international legal institutions. The developments highlight the complexities involved in addressing allegations of misconduct, particularly when they intersect with high-stakes international legal proceedings.