A New York judge dropped all sex crime charges against former International Monetary Fund chief and one-time French presidential hopeful Dominique Strauss-Kahn on Tuesday, but his ruling will not take effect immediately. The decision in New York state court brought the curtain down on a three-month saga that destroyed the career of one of the world’s most powerful men and caused an international uproar.
“I see no basis to deny,” said Judge Michael Obus. Obus also rejected a request by the lawyers of the maid accusing Strauss-Kahn to transfer the investigation to a special prosecutor. The dismissal of all charges against Strauss-Kahn would only take effect once the appeal of the special prosecutor against the decision has been dealt with, said Obus.
Meanwhile, Strauss-Kahn issued a statement after sexual assault charges against him were dropped saying: “The past two and a half months have been a nightmare for me and my family. I want to thank all the friends in France and in the United States who have believed in my innocence and to thousands of people who sent us their support in person and in writing. I am most deeply grateful to my wife and family who have gone through this ordeal with me.”
In the statement he also thanked Judge Obus and his staff for their efforts to protect him and his wife during the trail.
