Bail given to former IMF chief
DOMINIQUE Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, was granted bail in a New York court yesterday after four nights’ detention on charges of allegedly attempting to rape a hotel maid.
Strauss-Kahn, who resigned from the IMF vowing to prove his innocence late on Wednesday, was set a $1m (£617m) cash bail by New York judge Michael Obus.
Stringent terms, designed to ensure Strauss-Kahn does not leave the US, included him remaining under 24-hour home detention with electronic monitoring, having an armed guard at all times at his own expense, and a $5m insurance bond.
He was returned to prison after the hearing to spend a final night in the notorious Rikers Island jail before the bail paperwork is signed today.
His resignation from the IMF intensified jockeying among world powers over who would succeed him.
Pressure from emerging markets to see one of their number lead the fund was countered by swift bids from France and Germany to secure the seat for Europe. French finance minister Christine Lagarde has emerged as his most likely successor with the backing of several countries.
Strauss-Kahn was arrested on Sunday after a chambermaid accused him of trying to rape her. He has been charged with a criminal sexual act, attempted rape, sexual abuse, unlawful imprisonment and forcible touching.