In one of the most controversial cases of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the chief of International Monetary Fund and also the once considered front runner for the French presidential race faces seven charges including sexual acts and abuse, in connection with the assault of a housekeeping employee at a New York’s Sofitel hotel on the 14^th of May, 2011. The Defense attorneys for Strauss-Kahn have formally requested discovery materials from Manhattan prosecutors which include copies of scientific reports as well as police reports and formal statements made by the hotel employee. In a formal letter to the judge presiding over the case, they have complained that some of the material has already been leaked to the media which would violate Strauss-Kahn’s right to a fair trial and claimed that they possessed material which could undermine the quality and credibility of the complainant of the case.

In response, Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Joan Illuzzi-Orbon wrote in a letter that request for materials would be addressed if it is made in writing and also agreed with the need to safeguard information from leaks and also claimed that the material which could gravely undermine the case must be shared with the prosecutors as well.

Report by Sumit

Strauss-Kahn is under house arrest in a luxury townhouse in New York’s Tribeca neighbourhood and is under court-ordered watch as per his 6 million bail agreement and he must pay for 24 hour armed guards and for electronic surveillance.