Strauss-Kahn conspiracy theories resurface

The dramatic reversal in the Dominique Strauss-Kahn case in New York has astonished the French, and amid reports that the charges against him might be dropped this week, conspiracy theories about the dramatic sequence of events in New York have resurfaced.

Reuters

French Interior minister Claude Geant on Monday denounced the insinuations made over the weekend by two of Strauss-Kahn's allies, that the former IMF chief was the victim of a plot instigated by political opponents on the right.

Strauss-Kahn was arrested on 14 May and charged with the attempted rape and sexual assault of a chambermaid at the Sofitel hotel, then released on bail under strict conditions which were relaxed on Friday as the alleged victim's credibility was called into question. 

Socialist councillor Michele Sabban hinted that the management of the Sofitel hotel which is part of the French group Accor, were complicit in what she called a political assassination.

She also cited reports in the United States media of cosy ties between right wing French President Nicolas Sarkozy and New York police chief Ray Kelly.

Claude Géant told French television on Monday that such accusations were "odious", before adding "It is out of the question that anyone in France could manipulate American justice".

A source close to the case told the French newsagency AFP that the management of the Sofitel New York informed Accor of Strauss-Kahn's arrest within an hour of it happening, and Accor then told the French Presidency.