THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The British bar association temporarily suspended the embattled chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Friday, pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings. British barrister Karim Khan was formally removed from his duties at the ICC last week after the court’s oversight body found he had engaged in “serious misconduct” over accusations he had an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member. The 56-year old has strongly denied the allegations against him. The move by the Bar Standards Board, which regulates lawyers practicing in England and Wales, is the latest challenge Khan is facing. Last week the Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties — the executive committee of the ICC’s oversight body — concluded he had engaged in “serious misconduct” and “serious breach of duty” and recommended his removal from office. A vote will be held next month over whether to permanently remove him from office.
Separately, Khan is also sanctioned by the Trump administration for investigating Israeli officials. The Bar Standards Board said in a statement that it had suspended Khan from practice and would hold a hearing on disciplinary proceedings within four weeks. The board said it would not comment on what information it based its decision on.
