History of Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an independent organ responsible for conducting investigations and prosecutions of individuals accused of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Headed by an elected Prosecutor, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) operates under the Rome Statute. It functions with autonomy to gather evidence, seek arrest warrants from the Pre-Trial Chamber, and prosecute cases before the Court. The Prosecutor’s role is essential to the ICC’s mission of ending impunity for perpetrators of mass atrocities, acting as a check on sovereignty when national judicial systems are unable or unwilling to conduct genuine investigations. By maintaining impartiality, the Prosecutor plays a pivotal role in the global pursuit of international criminal justice, ensuring that legal processes remain independent of political influence.

April 2003: First election of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court

On 21 April 2003, during the Assembly of States Parties in New York, Luis Moreno Ocampo was elected as the first Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, receiving 78 votes in favor with no opposition.

December 2011: Election of Fatou Bensouda as ICC Prosecutor

On 12 December 2011, during the tenth session of the Assembly of States Parties in New York, Fatou Bensouda was elected by acclamation as the new Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. This decision followed a selection process led by a Search Committee that reviewed 52 communications to find a successor.

June 2012: Commencement of Fatou Bensouda's Term

Fatou Bensouda began her service as the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on 16 June 2012, marking the start of her nine-year tenure.

February 2021: Election of Karim Ahmad Khan

On 12 February 2021, Karim Ahmad Khan, KC, was officially elected to the position of Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

February 2021: Election of the Third Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court

On 12 February 2021, during the second resumed nineteenth session of the Assembly of States Parties in New York, Karim Ahmad Khan was elected as the third Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. After an initial ballot, Khan secured the necessary majority in the second round of voting with 72 votes, defeating candidates Fergal Gaynor, Carlos Castresana Fernández, and Francesco Lo Voi.

June 2021: Transition of ICC Prosecution Office

In June 2021, a significant leadership transition occurred at the ICC, as Fatou Bensouda concluded her tenure on 15 June 2021, followed by Karim Ahmad Khan officially taking office on 16 June 2021.