Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Strauss-Kahn during an interview on French TV FRANCOIS GUILLOT/AP/Press Association Images

Strauss-Kahn set for face-to-face meeting with rape accuser

The former IMF head will meet writer Tristane Banon before a French judge hearing their rival versions of events.

DOMINIQUE STRAUSS-KAHN will come face to face before a Paris judge with the young French woman accusing him of attempted rape, prosecutors have said.

The pair have been ordered to appear to tell their rival versions of events, after writer Tristane Banon said the former IMF head had sexually assaulted her during an interview in 2003. She has alleged that Strauss-Kahn tried to open her jeans and bra, and put his fingers in her mouth and underwear.

Strauss-Kahn has called her story imaginary and has sued her for slander.

Earlier this week, Banon said on French television that she would welcome a confrontation, AFP reports. She told  an interviewer: “The police unit asked me whether I was prepared to accept a confrontation. Obviously, I said: ‘Yes’. I want him in front of me so he can look into my eyes and say to my face that I imagined it.”

Strauss-Kahn was considered a top contender for France’s upcoming presidential elections before his May arrest in New York on charges he tried to rape a hotel maid. Prosecutors dropped those charges.

The prosecutor announced the meeting Friday but gave no date for it. Such meetings are sometimes ordered as part of an investigation into charges.

Video: Tristine Banon explains why she welcomes a face-to-face meeting

- Additional reporting from AP

Read more: Strauss-Kahn on rape claim: ‘It was a failing vis-à-vis my wife’>

Read more: Strauss-Kahn questioned over second rape allegation>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
5 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute piltcher
    Favourite piltcher
    Report
    Sep 23rd 2011, 11:36 AM

    This man has been using his position in power to abuse a multitude of women over decades. The macho culture in France has allowed him to get away with it, and he thought he could carry on the same in the USA. Thanks to the courage of a lowly chambermaid, he has been stopped in his tracks, and that incident has given another courageous woman to come forward and hold him to account. I applaud Mlle Banon and wish her every success. Perhaps France will finally emerge from the dark ages that she was stuck in for so long.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Carroll
    Favourite Declan Carroll
    Report
    Sep 23rd 2011, 2:20 PM

    Fair enough, Piltcher. However – every1 is presumed innocent until proven guilty. No matter who you are, what you’ve done or what your nationality is. That is the basis of justice in democratic societies.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Irish Pride
    Favourite Irish Pride
    Report
    Sep 23rd 2011, 11:14 AM

    He has nothing to be ashamed of. In France he is a hero!

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute piltcher
    Favourite piltcher
    Report
    Sep 23rd 2011, 11:48 AM

    Sure, he has nothing to be ashamed of in the same way that the Catholic church has nothing to be ashamed.

    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denis Kelly
    Favourite Denis Kelly
    Report
    Sep 24th 2011, 2:11 AM

    Great point Declan, I was going to say the same thing.. It is very easy to be presumptuous .

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds