New York - Ria Novosti
The Supreme Court of New York ruled Tuesday to close a criminal case against former IMF chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, charged with sexual assault on a hotel maid. The case against Strauss-Kahn was opened on May 14 after 32-year-old maid Nafissatou Diallo alleged that the man had assaulted her sexually at the Sofitel New York Hotel. Strauss-Kahn, 62, pleaded not guilty and said any sexual contact had been with mutual consent. The case was closed after prosecutors had filed papers to drop all the charges against Strauss-Kahn, citing the alleged victim's lack of credibility. Diallo later admitted lying to a grand jury about the events surrounding the alleged attack. After spending a few days in prison upon his arrest, Strauss-Kahn was released on a $1 million bail and put under house arrest. In early July, prosecutors said Diallo had lied to the authorities when obtaining refugee status, and also lied to tax and social security officials and to the grand jury after taking an oath. The judge intended to close the case, but Diallo's lawyers said they had proof of Strauss-Kahn's guilt.