Photo: AP A 32-year-old maid at the Sofitel hotel near Manhattan's Time Square told authorities she entered his room to clean it early on Saturday afternoon. The maid told police Strauss-Kahn came out of the bathroom unclothed and attempted to force her into performing sex acts. She escaped the room and told other hotel personnel, who called the police.
Police say when they arrived at the hotel, Strauss-Kahn had already left for the airport, leaving behind his mobile phone and other personal items.
The maid was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.
Tomorrow New York City police will formally charge the IMF head with criminal sexual assault, attempted rape and the unlawful imprisonment of a hotel maid.
Strauss-Kahn, who is married to a famous French television reporter, admitted in 2008 to an affair with one of his subordinates, a Hungarian economist at the IMF. He apologized and said his actions reflected "a serious error in judgement" but that the relationship had been consensual.
His supporters say he is not the kind of man to carry out a sexual assault.
Strauss-Kahn took charge of the IMF in November 2007 and French media late Saturday commented his arrest could cost him the top job at the IMF.
The former French Finance Minister is considered a leading contender to run as the Socialist Party's candidate against President Nicolas Sarkozy in France's 2012 election.
Some say Mr. Sarkozy supported Strauss-Kahn to become the IMF director because he wanted to keep him away from French politics.
If the charges prove true, Strauss-Kahn will not be able to run against French President Nicolas Sarkozy next year.
Observers speculate the charges will probably boost Le Pen's candidacy for the 2012 presidential elections, as well as that of Sarkozy, who is fighting against historically low popularity ratings
Photo: The Economist - And how about finishing at least 15 of the following questions?
1. Who did NY police …….?
2. Why did NY police …..?
3. Where did NY police ........?
4. When did NY police ….?
5. When will NY police ……..?
6. What will NY police …..?
7. What did Strauss-Kahn…..?
8. What does Strauss-Kahn…..?
9. Where did Struass-Kahn ……?.
10. When did Struass-Kahn …….?
11. Did Strauss-Kahn ….?
12. Will Strauss-Kahn …..?
13. Was Strauss-Kahn…..?
14. Is Strauss-Kahn…..?
15. How old is ………..?
16. What does the maid ……..?
17. Why did the maid ……?
18. Did the maid ……?
19. Was the maid ……?
20. Will the maid ……..?
21. What did other hotel personnel …?
22. What did Mr. Sarkozy ………?
23. Why did Mr. Sarkozy ……..?
24. What is Mr. Sarkozy ……..?
25. Will Mr. Sarkozy ………..?
Photo: The Economist
