Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is now under fire for allegations of sexual misconduct. She’s not the only one— a second woman has come forward with accusations against him. Khan, 55, was elected to his current position in 2021 for a nine-year term. He has taken a temporary leave from his position. A House Judiciary Committee investigation is probing those as well as a different abuse allegation, which was made by a member of his court staff.
The scandal first burst into the public’s consciousness last fall, when charges made by an ICC staffer became known. These allegations have thrown Khan’s tenure into disarray, leading him to profess his innocence. Khan strongly denies all claims of sexual misconduct. He’s charging that these charges are the latest line in a new campaign to distract and discredit his work as chief prosecutor.
Ongoing Inquiry and Allegations
That nine month inquiry into the allegations against Khan is still ongoing. His administration’s representatives characterize all of these allegations as a smear campaign conjured by antagonistic outside forces. They want to delegitimize what he’s done, specifically his probes into major political players, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Khan is said to have submitted extensive testimony and other evidence to the inquiry that he argues undermines the charges leveled against him. His lawyers stated that the evidence “sits squarely at odds with the allegations that have been put to him” and shows them to be “demonstrably untrue.”
“It is wholly untrue that he has engaged in sexual misconduct of any kind.” – Khan’s lawyers
Though these denials come consistently from the top, recent details from the complaint tell a very different story. The new allegations stem from a woman who had worked as an unpaid intern under Khan. In her most recent complaint, she alleges he pressured her into uncomfortable sexual situations. She claims he misused his position of power by coercing her into sexual acts.
Specific Accusations of Misconduct
Patricia, a DC internship program intern, alleged that Khan groped her breasts. She characterized the action as a “lingering” stroke, wholly “non-consensual,” at the ICC’s headquarters. She argues that despite the similarity, these events occurred across the country. Each of these took place in hotel rooms on work trips, in Khan’s office, and in Khan’s home.
Patricia recounted her time working under Khan as emotionally taxing and anxiety inducing. She was forced to walk a tightrope of harassment and objectification just to do her job and not be outed.
“I was trying to figure out how to stay in his good graces and get the work experience while not sleeping with him and succumbing.” – Patricia
She remembered the sense of despair that washed over her each time she had to go into his home—what she called a “drip-drip-drip” of terror.
“Because when we were in his house it was just like a constant onslaught.” – Patricia
Patricia frequently found herself devising excuses to avoid being close to Khan. She was fierce in her resolve to defend her professional integrity.
“I remember coming up with all kinds of dumb excuses for why I did not want to sleep with him, just to try and not make him angry.” – Patricia
Khan’s Defense and Legal Position
Khan’s legal team has repeatedly claimed that he has a spotless record during his time in public service. Now, they vehemently deny that what’s being alleged against him is even remotely true. They characterize the accusations against him as baseless charges that misrepresent his character and conduct.
Khan’s representatives emphatically denied any allegations of harassment or victimization. They claimed he had not abused or misused his position of power, nor acted coercively or exploitatively. They continue to claim that the allegations are not credible and run contrary to Khan’s well-known and well-documented professional character.
Given this major investigation that remains ongoing, Khan’s tenure as the city’s chief prosecutor could be cut short. The ICC’s leadership is rightfully under immense pressure to respond to these allegations comprehensively while guaranteeing due process and fair treatment for everyone involved. The court’s legacy could be at stake as it walks this tightrope through what will surely be a dicey period for all.