Malaysian Lawyer Accuses ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan of Rape

Karim Khan, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), is at the center of a growing scandal. A former assistant — a Malaysian lawyer — has come forward with detailed testimony accusing Khan of sexual assault. According to her statement, the incident took place in December 2023 at the Millennium Hilton hotel in New York, where Khan allegedly forced her into a sexual act. She claims this was not an isolated event, and that similar incidents occurred over several months during official trips and at Khan’s residence in The Hague.

The accusations have sparked concern within the ICC and the broader international community. Khan has strongly denied the allegations, stating through his legal team that they are “entirely untrue.” Nevertheless, in November 2024, the ICC’s oversight body launched an external investigation, assigning the case to an independent UN-appointed panel.

Complicating the situation further, shortly after learning of the accusations, Khan announced his intent to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The move drew sharp criticism from Israel and its allies, including the United States, and raised questions about whether the accusations against Khan are politically motivated or linked to his actions against Israeli officials.

Inside the ICC, concerns have also emerged about possible witness intimidation and attempts to suppress the investigation. Some staff members have expressed fears over conflicts of interest and have called for full transparency.

The findings of the external investigation are expected in the coming months. If the allegations are substantiated, Khan’s removal from office would require a vote by a majority of the ICC’s 125 member states. Meanwhile, the scandal has already damaged the court’s reputation and cast doubt on its ability to uphold the principles of international justice.

The global community continues to closely monitor the developments, demanding accountability and transparency in a case that may have far-reaching implications for the credibility of the international legal system.