'Ex-IMF chief will be cleared of charges'

Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/181281.html

Former chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Dominique Strauss-Kahn will be cleared of charges of attempted rape against a New York hotel maid, his lawyer asserted.

Strauss-Kahn's main attorney, Benjamin Brafman, has announced that his client will plead not guilty and would be cleared of recent sex assault charges, AFP reported.

"Nothing is certain, but from what I've discerned in the investigation, he will be acquitted... He has impressed me very much. Despite the circumstances, he's doing well,” Brafman stated.

There has been no announcement on whether the police have discovered any DNA evidence that would prove the high-profile Frenchman guilty of the seven charges brought against him by the New York Police Department, including the alleged rape of the 32-year-old female employee at the Sofitel hotel in New York.

However, prosecutors at last week's bail hearing have insisted that the evidence compiled in the case supports the woman's claims.

The former French finance minister, who has rejected all charges against him, has paid $1 million in cash and has deposited a $5 million insurance bond in order to secure his release on bail.

Strauss-Kahn will have to appear in court on June 6 to formally enter his plea. His full trial may still be months away.

Strauss-Kahn resigned as managing director of IMF on Wednesday amid concerns over the future of ongoing talks about the euro zone debt crisis.

He was also expected to declare his candidacy for the French presidency soon and was considered as a strong contender against the current President Nicolas Sarkozy in next year's presidential election.

Benjamin Brafman is a New York-based criminal defense attorney who maintains a criminal defense firm, the Brafman Associates.

Brafman has handled cases for clients including Michael Jackson, Sean Combs, Peter Gatien, James Patino, and Vincent Basciano.

Strauss-Kahn's security conditions for his bail costs over $200,000 a month.