Exclusive: Lawyer goes public with sexual misconduct claims against ICC court chief. He denies the allegations

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Exclusive: ICC Chief Prosecutor Faces Sexual Misconduct Claims

In an exclusive development, the International Criminal Court finds itself at a pivotal moment as member nations prepare to vote on Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan’s future. This exclusive investigation centers on serious sexual misconduct allegations that have surfaced against the Malaysian-born attorney. For months, a United Nations monitoring body has thoroughly examined claims brought by a female court employee who worked directly under Khan’s supervision.

Exclusive Testimony from a Court Lawyer

An exclusive UN investigative document obtained by CNN reveals that the accuser—identified as Sarah—contended that Khan engaged in sexual harassment and repeatedly forced non-consensual intimate acts upon her. These actions reportedly included groping, attempts at kissing, and both digital and genital penetration. Throughout this exclusive process, Khan has consistently maintained his innocence regarding these accusations.

“I have no other way to describe it but an escalation of attempts,” Sarah explained regarding the alleged misconduct, which she stated continued for approximately one year following her appointment as Khan’s assistant in February 2023.

The Malaysian-born attorney, who joined the ICC in 2017, expressed that she never desired to find herself in this situation and characterized her experience as deeply humiliating. CNN has chosen to identify her solely by her first name, honoring her personal request for privacy in this exclusive matter.

Exclusive Power Dynamics and Fear

Sarah recounted moments when she would freeze in response to Khan’s advances, unable to voice refusal due to concerns about jeopardizing her employment, financial stability, and work visa that permits her residence in the Netherlands alongside her husband and child.

“There is no way for something to be consensual when you have such a power disparity. What I think many people don’t understand is that Mr. Khan was not just my boss, he was everyone’s boss,” Sarah emphasized during her exclusive interview with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.

She concluded that such circumstances fundamentally preclude genuine consent in this exclusive case.

Exclusive Investigative Findings and Timeline

The court’s supervisory mechanism placed Khan on suspension in June while disciplinary procedures unfolded. Those proceedings have now been forwarded to the 125 ICC member states for consideration. Delegates from each nation are anticipated to render their decision on July 24 concerning whether to maintain the suspension and determine appropriate disciplinary measures.

Some supporters of Khan have suggested that these accusations represent a coordinated campaign to tarnish his reputation following his initiative to secure warrants against Israeli officials for alleged war crimes.

“These are serious allegations and they needed to be taken seriously, investigated seriously and undergo a serious judicial review. And that is what has happened,” stated Sareta Ashraph, Khan’s lead legal representative.

Ashraph further noted that Khan has consistently denied all allegations in their entirety, including any form of sexual relationship—whether consensual or non-consensual—with the complainant.

Exclusive Conflicting Reports and Standards of Proof

CNN has acquired an exclusive copy of the UN oversight office’s report, which circulated internally during December. This document identified evidence demonstrating a “factual basis” to the claims, drawing upon interviews with Sarah, her colleagues, and additional witnesses. Within this report, Sarah’s identity remains redacted, and she is designated simply as “V01.”

Conversely, a March assessment conducted by a panel of judicial experts assembled by the ICC determined that there was “insufficient evidence to support a finding of misconduct measured against the standard of proof of beyond reasonable doubt.” This panel concluded that the UN watchdog’s factual determinations “do not establish misconduct or breach of duty.”

Earlier this month, The New York Times published information indicating that another internal ICC document revealed Khan had committed sexual harassment through his engagement in sexual activity with a junior staff member, identified as Sarah. This report also highlighted that Khan initially failed to provide a clear denial regarding a sexual relationship with his subordinate and subsequently attempted to discourage his accuser from pursuing the matter further.

CNN has been unable to independently confirm the conclusions contained within that particular report, which remains unpublished. This exclusive investigation continues to unfold as stakeholders await final resolutions.

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