Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (I.C.C.), has been placed on suspension. This action resulted from a sexual harassment accusation that has kept the court in turmoil over the past two years.

The Bureau of the Assembly of States Parties, composed of 21 members overseeing the court, disclosed on Monday night they had reached a decision regarding the allegations against Khan. However, they chose to keep details and documentation confidential. The case has now moved to the full assembly for further disciplinary consideration.

A source close to the decision indicated that the majority of bureau members concluded Khan had engaged in grave misconduct. Despite this significant step, Khan’s fate remains uncertain. His removal from office hinges on a majority vote by the full Assembly of States Parties, finding him guilty of serious misconduct.

Khan’s lawyers, through a statement reported by Reuters, have denied any wrongdoing, arguing that the decision is both unlawful and procedurally unfair, lacking supporting evidence.

According to I.C.C. procedural rules, a chief prosecutor may be suspended when allegations are deemed seriously substantial. Yet, the bureau clarified that Khan’s suspension should not be viewed as a determination of the disciplinary process’s final outcome.