ICC chief prosecutor faces fresh sexual misconduct claims from former intern

A second woman has come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The woman claims that while working for Khan early in his career, he subjected her to unwanted sexual advances, abused his authority, and pressured her into sexual activity. Khan denies all wrongdoing, The Guardian reports.

Khan, who has temporarily stepped aside from his ICC role amid an ongoing UN inquiry, faces allegations from a separate ICC staff member. The new claims relate to incidents dating back to 2009, when the accuser was an unpaid intern under Khan, then a leading defence lawyer in The Hague.

Speaking exclusively to the Guardian, the woman—identified only as Patricia—described Khan’s behaviour as a “constant onslaught” of advances. “He shouldn’t have been doing it,” she said. “He was my employer.”

Khan’s lawyers categorically deny the allegations, stating he “has engaged in sexual misconduct of any kind” and is cooperating fully with the investigation. They also suggest the claims may be part of a campaign to discredit Khan following his ICC actions against prominent figures such as Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu.

The UN watchdog continues its investigation, with findings to be reviewed by judicial experts who may recommend actions against Khan, including possible removal from office—a move unprecedented in ICC history.

By Vafa Guliyeva