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A second woman accuses Karim Khan, ICC chief prosecutor, of sexual abuse. Karim Khan denies all allegations.
Karim Khan faces new sexual abuse allegations from a former intern.
A second woman has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Guardian reported. The woman, who worked as an unpaid intern for Karim Khan in 2009 when he was a defence lawyer in The Hague, claims he subjected her to unwanted advances and pressured her into sexual activity. Speaking anonymously, she described his behaviour as a “constant onslaught” and said she felt trapped due to his power over her career.
“He shouldn’t have been doing it,” she said, adding, “He was my employer.”
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Ongoing Inquiry
Karim Khan, 55, who denies “sexual misconduct of any kind,” has temporarily stepped aside from leading the ICC’s prosecution division pending the outcome of an inquiry launched last year by a UN watchdog. The inquiry was first triggered by separate allegations from an ICC staff member who worked directly under him in 2023–24.
The second woman, known as Patricia, told investigators she endured repeated advances at Khan’s home, including unwanted touching and requests to have sex. She alleged he groped her in the ICC’s offices and pressured her during late-night work sessions in his apartment.
“It felt like a deal with the devil,” she said, explaining she stayed on in hopes of securing a recommendation letter.
Karim Khan’s Response
Lawyers for Karim Khan said he “categorically denies” the allegations, insisting he has “never harassed or mistreated any individual, or misused his authority.” They claim he has provided evidence to the inquiry that directly contradicts the accounts made against him.
Karim Khan’s legal team has suggested the allegations form part of a broader campaign to discredit him following his decision to issue arrest warrants for figures including Russian president Vladimir Putin and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
What Happens Next?
The UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) has taken testimony from both women and is reviewing evidence. Once complete, its findings will go before a panel of judicial experts who will advise ICC member states on possible action. If Karim Khan is found guilty of serious misconduct, he could face an unprecedented removal from office by a vote of the ICC’s 125 member states.
- Location :
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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