By ETHAN Markoff
May 16, 2011
WORLD NEWS - International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn appeared at the court in New York for a sexual charge accused for an attempted to rape a hotel maid. Meanwhile, Mr. Strauss-Kahn denied the charge, dismissing it as a political conspiracy. It is noted that he had been seen a candidate in France's 2012 presidential election.
Adding insult to the injury, a similar complaint had been lodged by a French writer who said that Mr. Strauss-Kahn sexually assaulted her in 2002.
This is the first time when Mr. Straus-Kahn had appeared in court since he was pulled off a plane in May 14 for sexually abuse a hotel maid.
He was sitting at John F. Kennedy International Airport prepared to depart, shortly arrested and took a seat on a bench in Manhattan criminal court.
He is charged with unlawful imprisonment and a criminal sex act. However, 62 year-old Mr. Strauss-Kahn had denied the allegation. His lawyer Benjamin Brafman said he would plead not guilty at court.
According to New York Police Department, the 32-year-old hotel mail works at Sofitel hotel in midtown Manhattan who was attacked by IMF chief during his visit to the hotel.
The wood-lined courtroom was packed with journalists, general public and even a French consulate representative. Strauss-Kahn's lawyer Benjamin Brafman defended his client denying the allegation that Mr. Strauss-Kahn trapped the maid in a hotel and tried to rape her.
The accused victim used to work from last three years at the luxury Sofitel hotel alleged Mr. Strauss-Kahn suddenly Sunday and won a warrant against him to seek DNA evidence.
"He intends to vigorously defend these charges and denies any wrongdoing," Brafman told reporters.
The shocking news of one of the world’s most powerful men left IMA staggering just before the significant discussion over the debt crisis sweeping the eurozone.
Mr. Strauss-Kahn's wife, former French television journalist defended his husband, saying he was fenced in a political conspiracy and did not believe. She also asked for "decency and restraint".
The arrest triggered a reeling speculation across France over the authenticity of the allegation, as many think it might because of political motives. It is noted that IMF chief had been seen a strong political contender for France’s next year Presidential election.
However, the history of Mr. Strauss-Kahn is not spotless, as he was mired with controversy earlier. In 2008, he was noticed for an affair with a Hungarian IMF economist. He was loosely alleged for inappropriate behavior but the IMF concluded he had not exerted pressure on the lady.
Dominique Strauss-Kahn Political career
Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, since 2007.
Governmental functions
- Minister of Industry and Foreign trade, 1991–1993.
- Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry, 1997–1999 (resignation).
Member of the National Assembly of France for Val d'Oise, 1986–1991 Reelected in 1997, was minister 2001–2007. Elected in 1986, reelected in 1988, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2007.
Regional Council
Regional councillor of Ile-de-France, 1998–2001 (resignation).
Municipal Council
- Mayor of Sarcelles, 1995–1997 (resignation).
- Deputy-mayor of Sarcelles, 1997–2007 (resigned on becoming Managing Director of the IMF in 2007). Reelected in 2001.
- Municipal councillor of Sarcelles, 1989–2007 (resigned on becoming Managing Director of the IMF in 2007). Reelected in 1995, 2001.
Agglomeration community Council
- President of the Agglomeration community of Val de France, 2002–2007 (resigned on becoming Managing Director of the IMF in 2007).
- Member of the Agglomeration community of Val de France, 2002–2007 (resigned on becoming Managing Director of the IMF in 2007).
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