Strauss-Kahn 'civil suit' threat

28 July 2011 Last updated at 21:23 GMT Nafissatou Diallo: ''We cry every day''

The hotel maid who accuses ex-IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn of attempted rape may file a civil suit if prosecutors do not press criminal charges, her lawyer says.

The Manhattan district attorney's office has publicly announced they had doubts about the credibility of Nafissatou Diallo's allegations.

Making her first public appearance, Ms Diallo spoke of the pain the case had caused her and her family.

Mr Strauss-Kahn has denied the charges.

"What she wants is justice and if the prosecutors are not going to bring this case to trial then we have to look for justice and what I look forward to is putting this case before a jury," Ms Diallo's lawyer, Kenneth Thompson told a news conference.

When pressed by journalists when he might launch this case, he said: "Soon. Soon is soon."

On Wednesday, Ms Diallo and Mr Thompson met prosecutors for eight hours.

Continue reading the main story Laura Trevelyan BBC News, New York

Flanked by her lawyer and her supporters, a tearful Nafissatou Diallo told a crowded room full of reporters and camera crews that she doesn't want other women to suffer in the way that she has.

Ms Diallo's supporters suggested race and class may be factors in the way the case had been handled, and accused the Manhattan district attorney of throwing Ms Diallo under a bus by questioning her credibility.

There's speculation that the prosecution is weighing up whether to drop the charges against Mr Strauss Kahn.

It's highly unusual for a witness in a criminal case to speak out to the media before giving an account to the jury - Ms Diallo's decision to give interviews to ABC News and Newsweek three days ago prompted legal experts to say that she was trying to put pressure on the prosecution not to drop the charges.

It was their first meeting since the Manhattan district attorney's office said it had doubts about her credibility because of false statements on her asylum application and a taped recording of a telephone conversation between Ms Diallo and a friend in an Arizona jail.

Mr Thompson said a translated transcript revealed that the conversation, the day after the alleged attempted rape, focused on what had happened to Ms Diallo, and not on Mr Strauss-Kahn's wealth.

Ms Diallo was reported to have discussed with the man how to obtain money from the French politician.

'Stop crying'

Mr Thompson was speaking after Ms Diallo made a emotional public appeal for people to believe her allegations.

"A lot of things people say about me are not true," she continued.

Her daughter, she said, had told her: "You have to remember this guy is a powerful man - everybody knows that. But for you, only the people who work with you, your neighbours, the people back home, know you.

"But those people say good things about you because they know you. Please mum, stop crying, be strong for me."

She said she had promised her daughter she would be strong "for you and every other woman in the world".

"What happened to me I don't want to happen to any other woman," she said.

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Strauss-Kahn Paris inquiry begins

8 July 2011 Last updated at 10:26 GMT Mr Strauss-Kahn was recently freed from house arrest in New York French prosecutors have started a preliminary inquiry into a writer's claim that former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her in 2003.

Detectives have been assigned to investigate the complaint lodged by Tristane Banon.

She says Mr Strauss-Kahn assaulted her in a Paris flat as she attempted to conduct an interview with him.

Separately, he denies charges of sexually assaulting a New York hotel maid on 14 May.

Mr Strauss-Kahn was recently freed from house arrest in the US city after the credibility of his accuser's evidence came into question.

It was shortly after Mr Strauss-Kahn was arrested in New York that Ms Banon came forward to say that he had tried to assault her eight years ago.

He responded by saying he would sue Ms Banon for making false statements.

Under French law, the charge of attempted rape carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail. However, the prosecutors' inquiry may not lead to formal charges.

'Wrestled'

Ms Banon - the god-daughter of Mr Strauss-Kahn's second wife, Brigitte Guillemette - has claimed that during the interview in 2003, Mr Strauss-Kahn said he would only speak to her if she held his hand.

Continue reading the main story 2006: Publication of Sexus Politicus, book by Christophe Deloire and Christophe Dubois, with chapter on Mr Strauss-Kahn and his tendency of "seduction to the point of obsession"2008: Mr Strauss-Kahn admits an affair with IMF colleague; he admits an "error of judgement"2011: Mr Strauss-Kahn arrested on 14 May in New York, accused of sexually assaulting a hotel maid 16 May: Writer Tristane Banon comes forward to say Mr Strauss-Kahn tried to assault her in an interview nearly a decade before1 July: Mr Strauss-Kahn freed without bail from New York house arrestAccording to her version of events, she eventually had to fight him off as they wrestled on the floor and he undid her bra and pulled open her jeans.

"When I realised that he really wanted to rape me, I started kicking him with my boots. I was terrified," she said in an interview published in French weekly L'Express.

She said she had not pursued the case eight years ago because at the time, "everyone told me it would never succeed".

But she said that following the allegations in New York there was "perhaps a chance to finally be listened to".

"If I want one day to put an end to this hell that has lasted eight years, it needs to be tried in court," she added.

"I'm well aware that in these kinds of cases, where it's one person's word against another - without even mentioning people who are that powerful - suspects are often released."

Mr Strauss-Kahn had been a leading contender to be the French Socialist Party's presidential candidate before his arrest in May.

Ms Banon's mother, Anne Mansouret, herself a politician from Mr Strauss-Kahn's centre-left Socialist Party, said she had persuaded her daughter not to file a complaint at the time of the alleged incident.

But Ms Mansouret has said she is "revolted" by the gleeful reaction of many men in France to news the case in New York might fail.

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Strauss-Kahn allies eye comeback

2 July 2011 Last updated at 07:13 GMT Dominique Strauss-Kahn looked relaxed as he emerged from court

Allies of former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn have said he could make a political comeback in France now he has been freed from house arrest in the US.

Before being accused of sexually assaulting a hotel maid in New York on 14 May, Mr Strauss-Kahn was tipped as a possible French presidential candidate.

But doubts have since emerged about the credibility of the maid, and the case is reportedly close to collapse.

On Friday a judge ordered Mr Strauss-Kahn released on his own recognisance.

His is now free to travel in the US, although he cannot leave the country and must appear in court again later this month.

Mr Strauss-Kahn, who resigned as head of the International Monetary Fund to defend himself, vigorously denies the charges.

Deadline

Mr Strauss-Kahn had earlier been the favourite to be the Socialist Party's candidate for the French presidency in May 2011.

The BBC's Christian Fraser in Paris says that regardless of events in court, the expectation is growing here in France the case will ultimately collapse.

And if that happens, the only person who can rule his out of next year's contest is Mr Strauss-Kahn himself, our correspondent adds.

Continue reading the main story

Here in Paris there is huge anticipation. The man who had been written out of the script for next year's presidential elections is potentially back in the running.”

End Quote Gavin Hewitt BBC Europe editor The last Socialist Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin, said: "If we hypothesise that Dominique is cleared of all suspicion and all charges, which I obviously hope will happen, then it will be first down to him to decide... and then it will be down to the Socialists to decide."

A Socialist MP, Jean-Marie Le Guen, said he thought it likely that Mr Strauss-Kahn would stand.

"Yes, he will be present for the presidential campaign," he said.

"If what we heard... is true, that the American justice will free him and re-habilitate him, give him back his honour and dignity. Then, since Dominique Strauss-Kahn is a fighter, he will fight in our country."

The list for nominations is due to close on 13 July - five days before his next scheduled court appearance. But the senior Socialist, Francois Hollande, said the deadline could be extended.

Our correspondent says there are though plenty in France who hold Mr Strauss-Kahn in high admiration for the way he has conducted himself in court, there is sympathy and renewed hope among his staunchest allies.

'Lie'

A judge in New York lifted the strict bail conditions imposed on Mr Strauss-Kahn, amid intense speculation that the sexual assault case against him was faltering.

He had been under house arrest since posting a $6m bail bond.

When the 62-year-old appeared in court, prosecutors were forced to admit that they were reassessing the strength of the evidence against him - although the charges that he attempted to rape a hotel maid still stand.

In a letter submitted to the court, the prosecutors said that the maid had given false testimony to a grand jury, omitting the fact that she had cleaned another room before alerting a supervisor to her claims of sexual assault.

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R Vance Jr: “Our office's commitment is to the truth and to the facts"

"I understand that the circumstances of this case have changed substantially, and I agree the risk that he would not be here has receded quite a bit. I release Mr Strauss-Kahn at his own recognisance," Justice Michael Obus told the court.

The maid claims that Mr Strauss-Kahn chased her down a hallway in his expensive hotel suite in the Sofitel hotel before sexually assaulting her.

However, unnamed law enforcement officials have now told US media the accuser has repeatedly lied since the alleged attack.

The officials believe the woman also lied on her application for asylum, particularly over an allegation that she had been raped while at home in Guinea. They also suspect she has links to drugs dealers and money-laundering.

Mr Strauss-Kahn's lawyer, William Taylor, said he believed the next step would lead to the complete dismissal of the charges.

But the maid's lawyer, Kenneth Thompson, maintained that his client's story was genuine and that Mr Strauss-Kahn was guilty of sexual assault charges.

"From day one she has described a violent sexual assault that Dominique Strauss-Kahn committed against her," Mr Thompson said, adding that Mr Strauss-Kahn bruised the maid's body and threw her to the floor.

"She has never once changed a single thing about that account. The district attorney knows that," he added. "The only defence Dominique Strauss-Kahn has is that this sexual encounter was consensual. That is a lie."

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Strauss-Kahn freed without bail

1 July 2011 Last updated at 19:45 GMT Dominique Strauss-Kahn looked relaxed as he emerged from court alongside his wife

Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been released from house arrest and had his $6m (?3.7m) cash bail and bond returned amid doubts over the credibility of his accuser.

Prosecutors have agreed that Mr Strauss-Kahn should be freed "on his own recognisance", meaning he must simply promise to appear in court.

He is accused of sexually assaulting a maid in a New York hotel on 14 May.

The case is now close to collapse, US media reports say.

The 62-year-old French politician - who had been seen as a leading candidate for the French presidency - appeared in court in New York on Friday over the sexual assault case.

Continue reading the main story

The only defence Dominique Strauss-Kahn has is that this sexual encounter was consensual. That it a lie”

End Quote Kenneth P Thompson Lawyer for alleged victim 'Substantial change' After assessing disclosures by prosecutors from the office of the Manhattan district attorney, a judge rescinded the strict bail terms imposed on Mr Strauss-Kahn, but did order that his passport be retained so he could not travel outside the US.

In a letter submitted to the court prosecutors said that the maid gave false testimony to a grand jury, omitting the fact that she cleaned another room before alerting a supervisor to her claims of sexual assault.

"I understand that the circumstances of this case have changed substantially, and I agree the risk that he would not be here has receded quite a bit. I release Mr Strauss-Kahn at his own recognisance," Justice Michael Obus told the court on Friday.

"In the meantime there will be no rush to judgment on this case," Mr Obus said.

On the court steps, opposing lawyers each maintained their case.

"I want to remind all of you that at each appearance in the last six weeks, we asked you and asked the world not to rush to judgement - now I think you can understand why," said Mr Strauss-Kahn's lawyer, William Taylor.

Continue reading the main story Caroline Hepker BBC News, New York

Dominique Strauss-Kahn looked tanned and confident in court in Manhattan. It was a very different sight to the dishevelled former IMF boss who appeared only a few weeks ago to deny serious sexual allegations.

In the court, journalists packed the benches and even the jury box as the case took a stunning twist. Following the hearing, lawyers for both sides slugged it out under the blazing sunshine on the steps of the courthouse.

Camera crews lined both sides of the street as helicopters buzzed overhead vying for a glimpse of Mr Strauss-Kahn and his wife.

The street where he has remained under house arrest has been besieged by paparrazzi during the past several weeks, much to the annoyance of other residents.

In New York, there has been a fascination with the seeming downfall of this powerful Frenchman. Now the story from the victim is being challenged -another amazing twist that will be followed with interest.

"We believe the next step will lead to the complete dismissal of the charges," he added.

After Friday's hearing, Mr Strauss-Kahn strode out of court smiling, with his wife on his arm.

In earlier court hearings, prosecutors had spoken of the strength of their case. One attorney said the proof against him was "substantial".

Now prosecutors believe she may have lied under questioning and could have links to drug dealers and money-laundering.

But the alleged victim's lawyer, Kenneth P Thompson, maintained on Friday that his client's story was genuine and that Mr Strauss-Kahn was guilty of sexual assault charges.

"The only defence Dominique Strauss-Kahn has is that this sexual encounter was consensual. That is a lie," he said.

He continued at length, giving a detailed and graphic account of the maid's alleged encounter with Mr Strauss-Kahn and criticising District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.

Mr Vance said the case would continue to be investigated, including concerns that had been raised about the credibility of Mr Strauss-Kahn's accuser.

"Our prosecutors from the Manhattan DA's office will continue their investigation into these alleged crimes and will do so until we have uncovered all relevant facts," he said.

Mr Strauss-Kahn is to appear back in court on 18 July.

Doubts over credibility

The maid claims that Mr Strauss-Kahn chased her down a hallway in his expensive hotel suite in the Sofitel hotel before sexually assaulting her.

However, unnamed law enforcement officials have now told US media the accuser has repeatedly lied since the alleged attack on 14 May.

The officials believe the woman also lied on her application for asylum in the US, particularly over an allegation that she had been raped while at home in Guinea, in West Africa.

Mr Vance: “Our office's commitment is to the truth and to the facts"

"She actually recounted the entire story to prosecutors and later said it was false," one law enforcement official told the Associated Press news agency.

But Mr Thompson defended his client's story on Friday, offering up graphic details of the alleged encounter between Mr Strauss-Kahn and the maid.

"From day one she has described a violent sexual assault that Dominique Strauss-Kahn committed against her," Mr Thompson said, adding that Mr Strauss-Kahn bruised the maid's body and threw her to the floor.

"She has never once changed a single thing about that account. The district attorney knows that," he added.

Mr Thompson said that though the maid "may have made some mistakes", that does not mean the assault never occurred.

Following the twists to the sexual assault case on Friday, hopes among some have been raised about the possibility Mr Strauss-Kahn may once again be able to compete with Nicolas Sarkozy for the French presidency in 2012.

Mr Strauss-Kahn had been under house arrest in a New York apartment since posting a $6m (?3.7m) cash bail and bond in May.

He is charged with seven counts including four more serious felony charges - two of criminal sexual acts, one of attempted rape and one of sexual abuse - plus three misdemeanour offences, including unlawful imprisonment.

Mr Strauss-Kahn, who resigned as head of the International Monetary Fund to defend himself, vigorously denies the charges.

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Strauss-Kahn 'opposed handcuffs'

17 June 2011 Last updated at 09:02 GMT The morning after his arrest, Mr Strauss-Kahn asked for a breakfast of eggs Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn complained about being handcuffed and initially claimed diplomatic immunity when he was arrested for sexual assault in New York, official documents reveal.

Transcripts released by prosecutors in New York reveal the detail of the day Mr Strauss-Kahn was arrested at the city's JFK airport.

He has since resigned from the IMF and is living on bail in New York.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault on a hotel chambermaid.

His lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, refused to comment on the release of the transcripts.

Airport ruse

The transcripts reveal details of how hotel staff and police investigators managed to detain Mr Strauss-Kahn as he attempted to leave the country on an Air France jet.

As has previously been reported, Mr Strauss-Kahn phoned the Sofitel Hotel about 1530 local time (1930 GMT), saying he had left his mobile phone.

While police listened in, the hotel promised to return it to him at the Air France terminal at JFK International Airport. Instead, police arrived to arrest him.

At the airport police station, detectives ordered Mr Strauss-Kahn to empty his pockets, the documents show, followed by this exchange:

Detective Maharaj: "Please have a seat."

Defendant: "Is that [handcuffing] necessary?"

Det Maharaj: "Yes, it is."

Defendant: "I have diplomatic immunity."

Det Maharaj: "Where is [your] passport?"

Ten minutes later, Mr Strauss-Kahn asked if he could be handcuffed "in the front", and five minutes after that, he said, "I need to make a call and let them know I won't be at my meeting tomorrow. These handcuffs are tight."

Breakfast

Five hours later, at 2100 (1600 GMT) at Manhattan Special Victims Squad:

Defendant: "Do I need a lawyer?"

Detective Rivera: "It is your right to have one in this country if you want. I don't know if you have some kind of diplomatic status."

Defendant: "No, no, no. I'm not trying to use that. I just want to know if I need a lawyer."

Det Rivera: "That is up to you."

Several days after his arrest, the IMF said Mr Strauss-Kahn, as managing director, had only limited immunity that was not applicable in the New York case.

Two hours after Mr Strauss-Kahn asked whether he needed a lawyer, he told the detectives the lawyer had told him not to talk.

The following morning, the transcript shows Mr Strauss-Kahn asking for some eggs for breakfast, followed by a sandwich.

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