Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is facing serious allegations of sexual misconduct from a former staff member, according to an exclusive investigation by Times UK. The claims, which Khan firmly denies, allege that the prosecutor engaged in repeated unwanted sexual advances, groping, and non-consensual sexual activity over an 11-month period.
The alleged victim, identified in reporting as Aisha*, began working closely with Khan in 2023 in the Immediate Office of the Prosecutor, a central unit responsible for some of the ICC’s most sensitive legal and political work. According to Times UK, Aisha alleges that Khan initiated multiple instances of sexual contact at his home, in his office, and while traveling abroad on official ICC missions.
The accusations emerged while Khan was in the process of preparing high-profile and politically charged arrest warrants, including those against Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, related to actions during the 2023 Gaza conflict. The timing of the allegations has fueled speculation that the claims may have been intended to undermine Khan’s authority, though colleagues of Aisha and her family strongly reject this interpretation.
Khan, a 55-year-old Edinburgh-born barrister, has had a distinguished international legal career. Before his election as ICC prosecutor in 2021, he served in leading roles in cases involving the Rwandan genocide, the Khmer Rouge trials in Cambodia, and tribunals addressing war crimes in the former Yugoslavia. Known for his intense work ethic and demanding style, Khan has earned a reputation as a “hard-charging” and high-profile figure in international justice.
Times UK reports that the alleged incidents began during a work trip to London in March 2023, shortly after Aisha joined Khan’s inner team. Allegedly, Khan invited her to dinner under the pretense of getting to know her better, after which she claims he suggested visiting private gardens behind Lincoln’s Inn and later went to a nearby apartment owned by his son. The encounter reportedly left Aisha feeling uncomfortable but hesitant to raise concerns due to the potential impact on her career.
Over the following months, according to the reporting, Khan allegedly continued making sexual advances, including inviting Aisha to his apartment and the office under the guise of work-related tasks. Aisha alleges that Khan’s behavior escalated to non-consensual sexual contact, sometimes lasting for hours, and created a pattern of fear and intimidation. She claims she often tried to deflect or avoid the interactions without angering Khan, highlighting the extreme power imbalance inherent in their working relationship.
The allegations are supported by detailed testimony and records shared with the United Nations’ Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), which is investigating the claims. These documents, reviewed by Times UK, describe instances where Aisha allegedly experienced unwanted physical contact in Khan’s office, including attempts at kissing and digital penetration, as well as harassment during international travel.
In addition to Aisha’s allegations, a second woman reportedly submitted a complaint regarding similar misconduct by Khan when she was an intern in 2009. Khan has consistently denied all claims, with his legal representatives asserting that he “categorically denies having harassed or mistreated any individual, or misused his authority, or engaged in any conduct that could be interpreted as coercive, exploitative, or professionally inappropriate.”
Times UK also highlights the personal toll on Aisha. According to reporting, the stress of the alleged harassment contributed to feelings of despair, including a period in which she reportedly contemplated suicide. She allegedly altered her appearance and behavior in an attempt to dissuade Khan from further advances, while continuing to carry out demanding work responsibilities at the ICC.
The allegations came to light formally in May 2024, when Aisha confided in colleagues about the ongoing misconduct. ICC staff who were made aware reportedly informed Khan as a courtesy before initiating a formal process through the court’s internal oversight mechanism. Khan, according to Times UK, engaged in discussions with Aisha, asserting that she had the right to pursue a formal complaint while emphasizing that he sought to support her.
The timing of the allegations coincided with unprecedented activity at the ICC, including the drafting and issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, Hamas officials, and other politically sensitive cases. Times UK notes that the warrants were prepared before Aisha’s complaints reached the court, and ICC sources confirm that the pre-trial judges approved them based on legal merit. Despite this, the allegations have become intertwined in public discourse with Khan’s high-profile work, adding to the scrutiny of his role.
Legal experts and observers note that the case underscores broader issues of workplace power dynamics at the ICC, where junior staff may face significant pressure and limited options for recourse. The ongoing investigation by the OIOS aims to determine the veracity of the claims, while Khan has pledged full cooperation and maintains his innocence.
The Times UK reporting emphasizes that names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals involved. As the investigation continues, the ICC faces a complex challenge: balancing accountability for staff safety with the demands of prosecuting sensitive international cases that attract intense global attention
