Dominique Strauss Kahn: Doubts on maid's credibility

[Rosamund1980]

It's looking like DSK will get off, as doubt is placed on the maid. Why do these stories repeat themselves?

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13986970

[vesuvia]

I seem to recall that DSK is alleged to have "claimed" initially that he wasn't even in the room with the woman, but then DSK allegedly "changed his story" to: sex occurred, but she consented.

[aliceliddell]

Anyway, the main thing is, his career is saved by his comrades in the 'Socialist' party in France. NB - they don't get hung up on all th,is trial crap, even though a French journo accused him of attempted rape and lots of women in the Soc party have accused him of being a predator (The Great Seducer) It's the language of lurve, laydees.

[meditrina]

Dittany: that's much what the actual letter did do.

[aliceliddell]

Good point, Vesuvia. But that's him being economical with the truth, so it's OK.

[paulapantsdown]

gee - looks like powerful, rich, well connected white man is going to get away with raping a powerless black immigrant - what a shocker

[loubie1967]

Whatever the outcome of the legal proceedings there appears to be no doubt that there was extensive sexual activity between a rich, powerful man and a poorly paid, vulnerable hotel maid. That must count as a serious abuse of power and ruin his future ambitions to be the French president, surely the French wouldn't accept him as their leader.

[TheBossofMe]

Really infuriates me that people are talking about him resurrecting his career and running for president. So much has come out about dsk that should be ample evidence of his moral unfitness to hold high office, but, hey, his victims were just women, so who gives a shit, right?

[TinaLeena]

Regardless of if he did it or not though, this has dire consequences for U.S. foreign policy. The fact he was vilified by the press from the very beginning....presumption of guilt before innocence on their part.

[TinaLeena]

No, but considering his socialist tendencies, if he actually does become president of France, we are looking at a lot of problems in Europe. The U.S. treated him like crap from the very beginning.

[aliceliddell]

This is getting like Assange. How long til someone says the CIA paid her because DSK threatens US interests?

[TinaLeena]

I wouldn't be surprised. His handling of the IMF was atrocious. He could have a lot more power than Assange ever had, and the U.S. treats him like he's guilty from the very start? Not very smart in my opinion.

[meditrina]

Dittany: have you read this letter which is the exact text of the document submitted to the Court?.

You will see that no-where does it mention "lies", it gives a straightforward account of where she has admitted her story to be false, with a small amount of context for each point. It's exactly what you say is appropriate.

Now, most of the coverage of this story would lead the reader/viewer to come to a far more highly coloured version of events.

That is precisely why I made the point unthread about the importance of the role of the media.

[TinaLeena]

Yep, I see exactly what you mean, dittany.

Let's hope the "news" media starts learning the hard lesson about jumping to conclusions before a verdict is in.

[RafaNadalIsMyLoveSlave]

I think it is wrong that past false statements she has made should be allowed to interfere with how this case is regarded. For me, the only relevant part of that letter is where it states that she lied to the Grand Jury about her actions on the day in question. Clearly, that does bring her credibility into question and it is right that that should be brought up.

But I don't understand why the past is relevant.

[flagging]

She has no hope now I'd say. She has proved she has lied consistently over a number of things including a claim she was gang raped before. Given she has previously made and then retracted sexual allegations and then lied about what she did after DSK allegedly attacked her - the defence will rip her to shreds. It does seem straneg to me that if she was violently attacked as she claimned, she'd then go on to clean a few rooms before reporting it.