French prosecutors to drop charges against ex-IMF chief Strauss-KahnJune 11, 2013 - 19:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French prosecutors are planning to drop prostitution charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn, according to a lawyer for the former IMF head, Belfast Telegraph said. Henri Leclerc said the announcement showed the case's weakness. A judge will make the final decision on whether charges are laid. One-time French presidential hopeful, Strauss-Kahn has had his sexual behaviour scrutinized since a New York hotel maid accused him of trying to rape her. Those charges were later dropped. The case in the French city of Lille hinged on whether he knew he was partying with prostitutes and whose money was used to pay them. His lawyers have said he had attended "libertine" gatherings but did not know that some women there were paid. The decision by the prosecutor's office followed a "deep and meticulous analysis" of the 33 files that form the case. Prosecutors are asking that a dozen other people go to trial in the case centred on an alleged prostitution ring working out of a luxury hotel in Lille. However, they are asking that charges that the group acted as part of an "organized band" in a criminal association also be dropped. Strauss-Kahn, 64, must wait to see if the prosecutors' request is accepted. However, it is already good news for the one-time French presidential hopeful whose lifestyle came under scrutiny by France and the world and left his career as a high-profile economist in ruins. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |