Sofitel Hotel Maid to Testify in Strauss-Kahn Trial

The hotel maid who accused former International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault in his hotel room has promised to tell her side of the story from the witness stand during the politician’s trial, according to Kenneth P. Thompson, the woman’s lawyer, on Monday. She will go into the courthouse, sit at the witness stand and tell everyone what Strauss-Kahn did to her. It’s preposterous to imply that his client consented to the sexual encounter at Sofitel New York, he claimed.

Thompson also said that Strauss-Kahn has gotten countless messages of support, while he slammed what he considers efforts to tarnish his client’s intentions. Some of the media has portrayed his client, the victim, as someone that’s part of a sinister plot to bring the ex-chief down, which simply isn’t true. However, he wouldn’t answer any questions about if representatives for Strauss-Kahn had went to the family of the woman in an attempt to pay her off. He also didn’t say if the woman plans to file a lawsuit, commenting only that he is there to protect her rights, speak on her behalf and work with the prosecution.

These comments were made as Strauss-Kahn pleaded not guilty to the charges – which include sexual abuse and attempted rape – in a court proceeding that only lasted 4 minutes. Despite the short proceeding, there was a circus-like atmosphere outside the courthouse, including dozens of photographers. Some 200 hotel staff were also there thanks to bus services provided by the Hotel and Motel Trades Council. The theatrics completely outweighed the progress in the courtroom, which was rather null.

During the proceeding, the defense requested 6 weeks to go over the evidence that the prosecution turns over before they decide what motions to file on behalf of Strauss-Kahn. The prosecution says it will file a voluntary disclosure form this week, which could contain statements from the ex-chief and other information about the evidence they have gathered.

The demand from the defence to go over this evidence suggests what they anticipate the prosecution will use at the trial. Strauss-Kahn’s lawyers have asked the prosecution about if they intend to introduce evidence of uncharged criminal conduct during the case or their cross-examination of the ex-chief. If they do, they want to know the nature of the alleged acts. The attorneys also want to know about evidence relevant to uncharged criminal conduct in relation to other alleged sex crimes.

Aside from this, the demand also seeks all of the data and messages from Strauss-Kahn’s computer, iPad and mobile phones – which the police seized. Also included were any photos, videos or other evidence the prosecution has gathered. After the proceeding, prosecuting attorney Benjamin Brafman said that it will be clear, when the evidence has been reviewed, that there was no forcible compulsion between Strauss-Kahn and the hotel maid, and any evidence to the contrary isn’t credible.