ICC Employee Alleges Sexual Harassment by Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan Amid Intense Public Scrutiny

Sarah, an employee at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, publicly accused ICC Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan of sexual harassment and assault in a rare LinkedIn post last week. She later detailed her experience in an interview with CNN after months of remaining out of the spotlight. Sarah described the challenges victims face, noting that public discourse often focuses on the accused’s reputation rather than the accuser’s trauma. She highlighted how repeated negative narratives can distort public perception and discredit victims, forcing them into hiding.

According to Sarah, following the allegations, she endured intense media scrutiny and personal attacks, including doubts cast on her mother’s death and her health condition. She was forced to go underground for six months, unable to see her child, after intelligence agencies reportedly tracked her location. Sarah also refuted claims that she acted on behalf of Israel to undermine Khan, emphasizing her professional background and security clearances that would have prevented her employment at the ICC if there were any suspicions.

Sarah, originally from Malaysia, has a distinguished career in international criminal and humanitarian law, with degrees from the University of Warwick and University College London, and legal certification in England and Wales. She has worked on human rights cases and was active in diversity and inclusion initiatives at international organizations in The Hague. She began working as Khan’s assistant in the Netherlands but alleges that their professional relationship deteriorated into harassment and assault during office hours, at his home, and on overseas trips. Khan has denied all allegations but was subsequently suspended from his role.

In her LinkedIn post, Sarah called for responsible use of public platforms and moral guidance in discourse, warning against the viral spread of misinformation that can harm justice. Her case has drawn international attention amid ongoing controversies surrounding the ICC and its leadership.