ICC prosecutor faces removal as second woman backs misconduct claims

The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, is facing an unprecedented vote on his future after two women publicly accused him of sexual misconduct, allegations he continues to deny.

The claims have plunged the world's top war crimes court into one of the biggest crises in its history as member states prepare to decide whether Khan should remain in office.

Staff member speaks publicly

In an interview with CNN, an ICC lawyer identified only as Sarah spoke publicly for the first time about allegations she says occurred while working directly under Khan.

She claimed his behaviour escalated over time, alleging he repeatedly crossed professional boundaries before eventually sexually assaulting her during an official work trip to Colombia.

Sarah alleged Khan entered her hotel room and sexually assaulted her while she pretended to be asleep.

Khan has categorically denied all allegations.

Second woman comes forward

A second woman, identified under the pseudonym Patricia, also gave an interview describing alleged incidents dating back to 2009 when she worked as an intern under Khan before his appointment to the ICC.

She alleged he repeatedly groped her and made unwanted sexual advances while she was required to work at his home.

The allegations were first reported publicly last year but this marks the first time both women have spoken in televised interviews.

Vote could remove chief prosecutor

The interviews come just days before representatives of the ICC's 125 member states meet at United Nations headquarters to decide whether Khan should be removed from office.

Last month the executive committee overseeing the court suspended Khan after concluding he had committed serious misconduct connected to the allegations made by Sarah.

The matter has now been referred to member states, who will make the final decision on his future.

If removed, it would mark one of the most significant leadership crises since the ICC was established in 2002.

Khan denies wrongdoing

Khan's legal team insists he has done nothing wrong.

His lawyer, Sareta Ashraph, said the allegations have already been examined as part of the disciplinary process and argued the wider evidential picture has not been fully presented publicly.

The defence also maintains the disciplinary proceedings have been procedurally unfair.

Earlier, Khan's representatives suggested the allegations may have been politically motivated because of his decision to seek arrest warrants in 2024 for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

However, documents reported by The Guardian indicate investigators found no evidence that Sarah was acting on behalf of any government or intelligence agency.

Sarah also rejected those suggestions during her interview, saying her complaint related solely to her own experience.

ICC under intense scrutiny

The controversy has cast a shadow over the International Criminal Court at a time when it is handling some of the world's most politically sensitive investigations, including alleged war crimes in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan.

Supporters of the court fear the leadership dispute risks undermining confidence in an institution already under pressure from several major powers.

For Khan, the upcoming vote could determine whether he remains the ICC's chief prosecutor—or becomes the first holder of the office to be removed over allegations of misconduct.

SOURCE