Judge approves Strauss-Kahn release order
A New York judge today cleared the way for former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn to be freed from jail in his sex assault case even after his expensive housing plans hit a snag.
State Supreme Court Justice Michael Obus said he would sign a release order for the French economist and politician, who is accused of trying to rape a hotel maid.
Strauss-Kahn’s lawyers said they had posted one million dollar cash bail.
It was unclear when Strauss-Kahn would be released, but his attorneys said they expected he would get out of jail within hours.
Mr Obus had agreed a day earlier to release Strauss-Kahn to house arrest with round-the-clock armed guard if he posted the bail plus a five million dollar bond.
The release plan stalled after objections from within the apartment building where he was initially to stay, perhaps because of the crush of media attention to the case, prosecutor John “Artie” McConnell said in court.
Instead, Strauss-Kahn will be housed temporarily in lower Manhattan and will not be allowed to leave. The security company managing his release signed off the location.
“This is intended to be temporary, meaning a few days, and in the meantime, efforts would be made to arrange for another suitable residence,” Mr McConnell said.
Strauss-Kahn has been behind bars since Saturday. He has denied breaking any laws.
The Department of Correction said in a statement today that it will manage Strauss-Kahn’s release following the posting of bail and the filing of all required paperwork. A corrections spokeswoman said no details about timing or location of the transfer would be provided.
The 62-year-old French economist and diplomat was not in court today.
