The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has been suspended from his duties following a referral for disciplinary proceedings by the court's oversight body.

Karim Khan, a British lawyer who leads the ICC's prosecutorial efforts, faces allegations of sexual misconduct involving a female aide. The allegations have been under consideration for more than two years. Khan has consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the process.

The suspension was announced late Monday after the court's oversight body concluded its review and referred the matter for formal disciplinary action. The move effectively removes Khan from his prosecutorial duties while the case proceeds.

A final determination on Khan's future will be made by the Assembly of States Parties, the governing body that oversees the ICC's operations. The assembly is expected to convene a special session specifically to decide whether Khan can continue in his role at the international tribunal.

The ICC, based in The Hague, Netherlands, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Khan's suspension comes at a time when the court is handling several high-profile cases involving international conflicts and alleged war crimes.