Legal Expert Warns ICC Decision on Karim Khan Could Undermine Court’s Independence
International criminal law expert William Schabas has expressed concern over the International Criminal Court’s decision to remove Prosecutor Karim Khan, warning it could weaken the court’s independence.
Schabas argued that the Assembly of States Parties, which voted to dismiss Khan following a misconduct investigation, is a political body rather than a judicial one. He said the decision could create concerns that future prosecutors may face political pressure when pursuing sensitive international cases.
Khan has denied wrongdoing, while legal experts and rights groups have questioned the handling of the disciplinary process and whether it met due process standards. Schabas called for reforms to ensure that any future removal of an ICC prosecutor is decided through an independent judicial process rather than political voting.
