Strauss-Kahn faces rape accuser
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn had a face-to-face confrontation today with a Frenchwoman who says he tried to rape her.
The two were questioned jointly by investigators deciding whether to pursue the case.
The Paris prosecutor's office is investigating Tristane Banon's claims that he attacked her during an interview for a book in 2003.
Mr Strauss-Kahn calls the claims imaginary and slanderous.
Ms Banon requested a one-on-one meeting, which investigators granted. The two arrived at the police facility today in cars and did not speak to reporters gathered outside.
This kind of confrontation is a practice sometimes used in France to help officials decide if a case is worth pursuing.
Mr Strauss-Kahn quit as head of the International Monetary Fund and saw his chances for the French presidency evaporate after a New York hotel maid accused him of attempted rape in May.
The US case was later dropped amid questions about the maid's credibility, but the maid, Nafissatou Diallo, has filed a civil suit. Mr Strauss-Kahn has claimed he has diplomatic immunity and asked a New York court to dismiss the lawsuit.
Ms Banon has also threatened to sue Mr Strauss-Kahn if Paris prosecutors decide not to go forward with a criminal case against him.
One challenge for Banon's case is that the incident in question happened eight years ago.
Ms Banon has said that Mr Strauss-Kahn invited her to an empty apartment for the book interview, and they ended up tussling on the floor, with the politician trying to open her jeans and bra and putting his fingers in her mouth and underwear.
She has defended her decision not to press charges against Mr Strauss-Kahn at the time of the alleged incident. In 2003, she was 23 years old and Strauss-Kahn was a leading figure in France's Socialist party.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments