16 | May | 2011 | Strike of Lightning!

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NOW THAT THE FINGER HAS BEEN POINTED AT HIM, WILL THE CHARGES MYSTERIOUSLY GO AWAY, AND THE COMPLAINT BE DROPPED FOR A PRICE? WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS IN POLITICS?

The maid at the New York hotel, who accused Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault, identified him in a police line-up, police said on Sunday. Asked if police could confirm that Strauss-Kahn was identified by the alleged victim in a line-up, a New York Police Department spokesman answered: “That is correct.”

Ryan Sesa, a police deputy spokesman, told reporters on Sunday that the charges against Strauss-Kahn included a “criminal sexual act, unlawful imprisonment, attempted rape” and “assaulting a 32-year-old girl in a hotel room“.

Paul Brennan, reporting from the French capital, Paris, said the incident has sent shock waves across France and the international community. “We’re hearing rumours that Mr Strauss-Kahn is considering stepping down from the IMF, notwithstanding any court appearance or whether or not the charges stick.” “He of course is denying the charges which have been laid against him and will appear in court in New York later on Sunday.”

The news also quickly drew reaction from political rivals in France, with some expressing shock after Strauss-Kahn’s arrest. Martine Aubry, leader of the French Socialists of whom
Dominique Strauss-Kahn was the top presidential hopeful, said on Sunday his arrest was a “thunderbolt” which left her “astounded”.

John Sheehan, a spokesperson for Sofitel Hotel, said its staff were co-operating with the authorities in the investigation. The IMF spokesman in Washington, said the organisation had no immediate comment on the reports of the chief’s arrest.

He had also served as France’s minister of economy, finance and industry, from 1997 to 1999.

Previous scandal

Strauss-Kahn, popularly known as “DSK” in France, was seen as the strongest possible Socialist Party challenger to French president Nicolas Sarkozy, though he had yet to declare
his candidacy, remaining vague in interviews while feeding speculation that he wanted France’s top job.

But his tenure at the IMF has also brought controversy. In October 2008, he apologised for “an error of judgment” over an affair with a junior colleague. Although cleared by an
inquiry of harassment and abuse of power, he was warned by the fund’s board of member countries against further improper conduct.

“CAN THIS BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF FRANCE? SHIRAC, WAS A PRIME EXAMPLE FOR BEING THE MAYOR OF PARIS, SO WHY NOT! ”

HOTDOGFISH!