A NEW York judge early today dropped all sex crime charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, ending a three-month saga that brought down one of the world’s most powerful men and caused an international uproar.
The order, however, will not take effect until an appeals court rules on his accuser’s request for a special prosecutor in the case, which was dismissed by a judge earlier today.
The appellate court has 30 days to determine if the emergency appeal has merit, but a decision is likely later today, according to FOX News Channel.
Judge Michael Obus announced his decision in front of a packed courtroom, a day after the Manhattan District Attorney’s office filed a motion to drop the charges, citing credibility issues with Mr Strauss-Kahn’s accuser, Nafissatou Diallo.
The French politician had a slight smile on his face when Judge Obus made his ruling, according to a FOX News Channel producer in the courtroom.
Ms Diallo, 33, alleged she was assaulted by Mr Strauss-Kahn, 62, when she came to clean his suite at Manhattan’s Sofitel hotel on May 14.
Mr Strauss-Kahn had pleaded not guilty to the seven-count indictment that included criminal sexual assault in the first degree, sexual abuse in the first degree, forcible touching and other charges.
Outside the court Mr Strauss-Kahn thanked his supporters, saying the period since his arrest had been a “nightmare”.
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