Allegations Against ICC Chief Prosecutor: A Lawyer's Harrowing Experience

A junior lawyer at the International Criminal Court has accused chief prosecutor Karim Khan of serious misconduct, including unwanted sexual advances and non-consensual acts. Khan has denied these allegations, but an oversight committee has recommended his removal. As member states prepare to vote on his fate, the case raises questions about power dynamics and potential political motivations behind the accusations. Sarah, the accuser, has firmly rejected claims of being an agent for any foreign government, emphasizing the gravity of her situation and the need for accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 03:25 IST

Allegations of Misconduct at the ICC

A junior attorney at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has come forward with serious allegations against the court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan. She claims that over the span of a year, she was subjected to unwanted physical contact, forced kissing, and other non-consensual sexual acts. Khan has categorically denied these accusations. Sarah, a Malaysian lawyer who has been with the ICC since 2017, shared her story in an interview with CNN, marking her first public statement since the allegations emerged in 2024.

In her account, Sarah detailed how the initial unwanted touches escalated into more severe forms of harassment, including groping and attempted kissing. A leaked UN investigative report, which CNN has obtained, corroborates her claims of digital and genital penetration. Sarah recounted instances where Khan allegedly touched her inappropriately while she feigned sleep, emphasizing that true consent cannot exist when there is such a significant power imbalance.

Having begun working directly under Khan in February 2023, Sarah stated that the alleged misconduct persisted for nearly a year. She remains employed at the ICC and described the entire experience as deeply humiliating, expressing that it was never a situation she wished to find herself in.

Khan's Response

Khan, 56, through his attorney Sareta Ashraph, has denied all allegations made by Sarah. Ashraph asserted that her client refutes any claims of sexual contact or relationship with Sarah, whether consensual or otherwise.

Upcoming Vote on Khan's Future

This situation is not merely a matter of conflicting statements. Diplomats from the ICC's oversight committee have reportedly concluded that Khan engaged in inappropriate conduct with a junior staff member and recommended his removal from office. This recommendation is set to be voted on, with all 125 member states of the court scheduled to decide on July 24 whether to dismiss Khan based on these misconduct allegations.

Political Implications

Supporters of Khan suggest that the allegations may be politically motivated, particularly referencing his 2024 decision to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli officials amid the Gaza conflict, which they believe made him a target. Sarah directly addressed these claims during her interview, dismissing rumors that she is affiliated with Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. She asserted that such allegations are unfounded, noting that her extensive security vetting for her role at the ICC would have led to immediate termination if there were any credible suspicions of foreign allegiance.