Fijian Nazhat Shameem Khan will continue to co-lead the Office of the Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) following the removal of Prosecutor Karim A. A. Khan by the Court’s Assembly of States Parties.
The ICC announced that the Assembly voted during a special session on 24 July to remove Mr Khan from office after finding that he had committed serious misconduct and a serious breach of duty.
Following the decision, Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan and Mame Mandiaye Niang will continue to head the Office.
Ms Khan and Mr Niang have been responsible for the leadership, management and administration of the Office since May 2025, when Mr Khan took a leave of absence.
In a statement, the Office sought to reassure victims, member states and international partners that its work would continue uninterrupted.
“The Office wishes to reassure victims, affected communities, States Parties, civil society partners and all those who support its work that its activities in the fulfilment of its mandate continue without interruption.”
The Office said it remained committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations and prosecutions across all situations under the Court’s jurisdiction.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professional standards within the organisation.
“The Office maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct, and is committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability in carrying out its work.”
Ms Khan has previously served as Fiji’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Director of Public Prosecutions, High Court judge and President of the United Nations Human Rights Council. She has served as Deputy Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court since 2024.
The ICC said the Office would continue to prioritise justice for victims of crimes under the Rome Statute while fostering a respectful, safe and inclusive workplace.
