CAIRO, Egypt: British lawyer Karim Khan said in an interview with Al Arabiya TV that his suspension as chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) broke court rules and was unfair. He called the decision shocking, unjustified, and unlawful.

In his first public remarks since being suspended, Khan said that external judges had reviewed the case and found insufficient evidence to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, but this was ignored.

The ICC's governing body will hold a vote on July 24 in New York to decide his future.

Khan was removed from his duties after the court's oversight body accused him of serious misconduct linked to claims that he had an inappropriate relationship with a female staff member.

Reports earlier said he moved the woman into his office from another department. In April, a UN report said there was evidence of non-consensual sexual contact in different locations, including his office and home. However, a panel of judges later said the findings were not strong enough to be conclusive.

Khan is also facing action from the Bar Standards Board in England and Wales, which has suspended him and plans a disciplinary hearing within four weeks.

His lawyers said he strongly denies all allegations and will challenge the decision.

The final decision now rests with the ICC's Assembly of States Parties. Some diplomats believe the accusations may be linked to efforts to block the court's investigation into Israel.

At the same time, the U.S. under Donald Trump has placed sanctions on Khan and other ICC staff over investigations involving Israel and U.S. personnel, which has affected the court's work.

A special meeting on July 24 will decide whether Khan will be removed permanently.