The head of the International Monetary Fund Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been cuffed and taken for forensic testing accompanied by police.
The IMF chief is facing sexual assault charges and will appear in court when he is expected to plead not guilty.
The purpose of the hearing when it takes place will be to assess whether bail can be set and if so, under what conditions.
According to his lawyers Strauss-Kahn, who is one of the most powerful men in world banking, vigorously denies the three charges he is facing, including attempted rape.
William Taylor, Strauss-Kahn’s lawyer spoke to reporters:
“Our client consented to an examination tonight at the request of the government. That’s been done and in light of the hour we have agreed to postpone the arraignment until tomorrow morning and we expect to be here in court with him tomorrow.”
The charges relate to a complaint from a hotel chamber maid accusing the IMF chief of sexually assaulting her in his room. According to police, the alleged victim has formally identified Strauss-Kahn as her attacker.It is thought that despite the 62-year-old’s top job at the IMF he does not have diplomatic immunity from the charges which if proven carry a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Copyright © 2011 euronews
No comments:
Post a Comment