US civil case to hear Strauss-Kahn sex assault claims

http://www.euronews.com/ Nafissatou Diallo, the New York hotel maid who accused Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault last year, brings a civil case against the former IMF boss today.

Criminal charges were dropped after prosecutors decided her testimony was unreliable.

Strauss-Kahn denies the allegations; his lawyers accuse Diallo of being motivated by money.

The hearing will determine whether his former post grants him diplomatic immunity.

It is thought he is also likely to be put on the defensive over investigations into his sexual behaviour in France.

“Well the lawyers for Madame Diallo are certainly going to attempt to bring the Lille matter back to New York and use it as proof that Mr. Strauss-Kahn has a difficult and problematic physical and sexual relationship with women in general. The lawyers for Mr. Strauss-Kahn are going to argue that the matter in Lille is irrelevant, it is separate,” said Christopher Mesnooh, a lawyer specialising in both US and French law.

Strauss-Kahn is under formal investigation in France in connection with an alleged prostitution ring. The Carlton affair is named after the Lille hotel where sex parties are said to have taken place. The inquiry is also looking to the possible misuse of corporate funds.

Strauss-Kahn admits attending the parties but denies knowing the women were prostitutes or that any wrongdoing was going on.

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