NEW YORK — The executive bureau of the International Criminal Court's governing body has determined that prosecutor Karim Khan engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with a junior staff member. The bureau recommended Khan's dismissal, with a vote by the Assembly of States Parties scheduled for July 24 in New York.

The ICC executive bureau is composed of 21 member states. For a dismissal to occur, at least 63 votes are required from the Assembly of States Parties, which includes 125 member states. Khan, a 56-year-old British barrister, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Lawyers representing Khan stated the executive bureau's decision is unlawful, procedurally unfair, and unsupported by evidence. They referenced a review by judges that found insufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the bureau set aside this advisory opinion and cited a yearlong United Nations investigation commissioned by the court.

A copy of the June 8 decision document stated, "The evidence establishes beyond a reasonable doubt that the prosecutor (...) engaged in a sexual relationship with (the victim)." The UN report, quoted in the document, found that the relationship began in March 2023. The document quoted the UN report as having found, "His behavior escalated over time resulting in him engaging in non-consensual sexual contact with her in his office, at his private residence and whilst on mission."

The 27-page document concluded that Khan committed a serious breach of duty and serious misconduct. Khan's deputies have been managing the prosecutor's office since he took voluntary leave in May. He has also been suspended by Britain's independent regulator for court lawyers, which plans to consider his future in the coming weeks. The misconduct allegations were initiated by a female lawyer earlier in 2024.