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Prosecutors ditch second Strauss-Kahn sex case
Source: Agencies |
October 14, 2011, Friday
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THE Paris prosecutor's office yesterday dropped an investigation into a writer's claim that Dominique Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her, citing lack of sufficient evidence, though it said the former International Monetary Fund chief admitted to a lesser charge of sexual assault.
Strauss-Kahn admitted during questioning to sexual assaulting French writer Tristane Banon during a 2003 interview for a book she was writing, the prosecutor said.
But the prosecutor's office said it could not pursue a sexual assault case against Strauss-Kahn because the incident occurred too long ago. The statute of limitations on that charge is three years. On attempted rape it is 10 years.
The announcement was a second legal victory in a stormy year for Strauss-Kahn, who quit his job as head of the IMF after a New York hotel maid accused him of attempted rape earlier this year. Prosecutors later dropped that case.
Banon filed her complaint in France in July, after doubts about the maid's credibility emerged.
Strauss-Kahn, considered a top contender for France's presidency before his New York arrest, called Banon's attempted rape claim imaginary and slanderous.
Banon has said Strauss-Kahn invited her to an empty apartment for the book interview, and they ended up tussling on the floor, with the politician trying to open her jeans and bra and putting his fingers in her mouth and underwear.
The prosecutor's office said: "For lack of sufficient elements of evidence, prosecution cannot be undertaken on the charge of attempted rape." However, it said, "facts that could be qualified as sexual assault have been acknowledged."
Strauss-Kahn admitted during questioning that he tried to kiss Banon without her consent, according to a judicial official.
Banon has defended her decision not to file charges at the time. In 2003, she was 23 years old and Strauss-Kahn was an powerful force in France's Socialist party. Her mother also advised her against filing a complaint.
The New York maid, Nafissatou Diallo, has filed a civil suit. Banon has said she will do the same if prosecutors fail to act.
Strauss-Kahn admitted during questioning to sexual assaulting French writer Tristane Banon during a 2003 interview for a book she was writing, the prosecutor said.
But the prosecutor's office said it could not pursue a sexual assault case against Strauss-Kahn because the incident occurred too long ago. The statute of limitations on that charge is three years. On attempted rape it is 10 years.
The announcement was a second legal victory in a stormy year for Strauss-Kahn, who quit his job as head of the IMF after a New York hotel maid accused him of attempted rape earlier this year. Prosecutors later dropped that case.
Banon filed her complaint in France in July, after doubts about the maid's credibility emerged.
Strauss-Kahn, considered a top contender for France's presidency before his New York arrest, called Banon's attempted rape claim imaginary and slanderous.
Banon has said Strauss-Kahn invited her to an empty apartment for the book interview, and they ended up tussling on the floor, with the politician trying to open her jeans and bra and putting his fingers in her mouth and underwear.
The prosecutor's office said: "For lack of sufficient elements of evidence, prosecution cannot be undertaken on the charge of attempted rape." However, it said, "facts that could be qualified as sexual assault have been acknowledged."
Strauss-Kahn admitted during questioning that he tried to kiss Banon without her consent, according to a judicial official.
Banon has defended her decision not to file charges at the time. In 2003, she was 23 years old and Strauss-Kahn was an powerful force in France's Socialist party. Her mother also advised her against filing a complaint.
The New York maid, Nafissatou Diallo, has filed a civil suit. Banon has said she will do the same if prosecutors fail to act.
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