The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, has categorically denied new allegations of sexual misconduct made by a second woman. This claim emerged during an ongoing investigation into previous allegations made by an aide who accused Khan of coercing her into sexual relations on multiple occasions in 2023 and 2024 across various locations, including New York and Paris.
The second accuser, who has not been publicly identified, alleged that Khan subjected her to unwanted sexual advances while she worked as an unpaid intern for him in 2019. According to her statement to investigators, Khan attempted to pressure her into sexual encounters. Khan’s legal team, from the law firm Carter-Ruck, has firmly rejected these allegations, labeling them as “entirely false.”
In a detailed statement to the New York Sun, the law firm clarified that the second woman is not a complainant in the investigation. Rather, she has been regarded as a witness. “She only recently, at the tail end of the process, raised new allegations,” the firm noted. They further asserted that Khan has provided evidence contradicting her claims, describing them as “bizarre and wholly implausible.”
Khan temporarily stepped down from his role in May while the investigation into the initial allegations continues. He maintains that he did not engage in any misconduct. The second accuser spoke to The Guardian, describing a “constant onslaught” of advances from Khan, stating, “He shouldn’t have been doing it. He was my employer.” She also alleged that Khan once “groped” her, which she did not report at the time due to her need for a recommendation upon completing her internship.
The legal representatives of Khan have alleged that there are “grossly inappropriate and improper attempts” to discredit him, linking these actions to his role in issuing arrest warrants against former Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, for their involvement in the Gaza War. They claim there is a concerted effort to undermine Khan and the ICC because of these arrest warrants.
As the investigation unfolds, the timeline for its completion remains unclear. The outcome will determine whether any further actions will be taken, including the potential removal of Khan from office.
