ICC staff with knowledge of the allegations against Karim Khan said the prosecutor and another official close to him repeatedly urged the woman to disavow claims about his behaviour towards her.
The alleged attempts to deter the woman from formally pursuing the claims took place in phone calls and in person, and came after Khan learned court authorities had been made aware of allegations of misconduct, four sources said.
At the time, the chief prosecutor had been advised to avoid one-on-one contact with the alleged victim after an aborted internal inquiry into the matter.
Contacted by the Guardian for comment, Khan denied asking the woman to withdraw any allegations.
His lawyers said: "Our client denies the whole of the allegations and we are most concerned the exposure of a confidential and closed internal matter is designed to undermine his high-profile ongoing work at a delicate time." After reports of alleged sexual misconduct began to circulate in the media in recent days, Khan denied the claims in a public statement that said he and the court had been "subject to a wide range of attacks and threats".
In anonymous briefings, court officials close to the prosecutor have suggested he might have been the target of a smear campaign.
"There is no truth to suggestions of such misconduct," Khan's statement said. "I have worked in diverse contexts for 30 years and there has never been such a complaint lodged against me by anyone." The woman at the heart of the allegations - whom ICC colleagues describe as a well regarded lawyer in her 30s who worked directly for Khan - has declined requests for comment.
But sources familiar with the situation said she told colleagues she had declined the alleged requests to disavow the claims.
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Are the players at Old Trafford good enough for a new face to inspire future title challenges?
Rrik ten Hag is culled while players paid millions to realise Manchester United's on-field product remain, posting heartfelt \"thank you boss\" farewells on social media while still collecting their lucrative pay-packets.
Israeli strike on flats in northern Gaza kills at least 93
Scores of Palestinians, including many women and children, have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a crowded block of flats in the town of Beit Lahiya as Israel pressed on with its assault on northern Gaza.
Amorim on his way United ready to pay £8.3m for Sporting head coach
Amorim led Sporting from despair but testing waters await
The 39-year-old built a legacy in Lisbon on consistency and charisma but his hiring would be a major gamble. Can he transfer his watchwords to the Theatre of Dreams?
Flekken's shootout stop spares Bees' blushes
Brentford reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup after beating Sheffield Wednesday 5-4 on penalties.
Clinton shows England have generational midfield talent on their hands
It is debatable precisely how much can be gleaned from this workout against a team ranked 50th in the world who lost 5-0 to Denmark on Friday but, if England can take one certainty from this victory, it is this: in Grace Clinton, they have found a generational midfielder who they can build the team around for at least the next four major tournaments.
Wiegman's shuffled pack stumble to sloppy victory
There were more questions to be asked than answers provided in England's 2-1 win over South Africa, but, to a certain extent, friendlies are when they can afford to be far from their best.
England take a punt on Bethell for NZ tour
Warwickshire's Jacob Bethell appears to be England's latest punt, with the 21-year-old batter named in the 16-man Test squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
New Test keeper Cox will not don gloves in West Indies white-ball series
The new England Test wicketkeeper Jordan Cox will not take the gloves against West Indies after being told to \"concentrate on his batting\" for the white-ball series.
Head coach opts for continuity but wants a fast and furious England to face the All Blacks
Far-reaching implications, pivotal decisions, an expectant nation. But let's not dwell on Rachel Reeves's mega budget and instead examine the intricacies of Steve Borthwick's first autumnal England team selection.
