Strauss-Kahn case 'near collapse' as accuser comes under scrutiny

Prosecutors have serious questions about the credibility of a hotel housekeeper who has accused former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn of raping her, and they are taking the extraordinary step of seeking a substantial reduction in his pricey bail, a person familiar with the case said.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss matters not yet made public in court, told The Associated Press that prosecutors have raised issues about the accuser’s credibility in the case against Strauss-Kahn, but would not elaborate on what those issues were.

A separate law enforcement official who is familiar with the case, but not authorised to speak about it publicly, told the AP that the issue was not necessarily about the rape accusation itself, but about troubling questions surrounding the alleged victim’s background that could damage her credibility on the witness stand. The official refused to elaborate.

The New York Police Department, which investigated the case, declined comment. The woman’s lawyer did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment.

Strauss-Kahn, who faces a court hearing today, has been under armed guard in a Manhattan townhouse after posting a total of six million US dollars in cash bail and bond. He denies the allegations.

Prosecutors with the Manhattan district attorney’s office had argued against his release in May, citing the violent nature of the alleged offences and saying his wealth and international connections would make it easy for him to flee.

“The proof against him is substantial. It is continuing to grow every day as the investigation continues,” assistant district attorney John “Artie” McConnell told the judge.

“We have a man who, by his own conduct in this case, has shown a propensity for impulsive criminal conduct.”

The New York Times first reported that investigators uncovered major inconsistencies in the woman’s account of her background, citing two law enforcement officials.

One of the officials told the Times that the woman has repeatedly lied since making the initial allegation May 14.

The discoveries include issues stemming from the asylum application of the 32-year-old woman, who is from Guinea, and possible links to criminal activities such as drug dealing and money laundering, one of the officials told the newspaper.

The Times reported that senior prosecutors and Strauss-Kahn’s lawyers are discussing whether to dismiss the felony charges against him.

Another person familiar with the case, speaking on condition of anonymity for the same reason, said earlier that Strauss-Kahn may get his pricey bail and house arrest arrangement eased in the case at today’s court hearing.

The person declined to detail what the new bail arrangements might be.

Strauss-Kahn lawyer William W. Taylor would say only that the hearing was to review the bail plan. The district attorney’s office declined to comment.

If the case against Strauss-Kahn collapses, it could once again shake up the race for the French presidency.

Strauss-Kahn, a prominent Socialist, had been seen as a leading potential contender and challenger to conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy for next year’s elections – until the New York hotel incident embarrassed Strauss-Kahn’s party and left him in the political wilderness.

Socialist Party chief Martine Aubry announced her own presidential bid this week, after having long been expected to throw her weight behind a Strauss-Kahn candidacy.

New doubts about Strauss-Kahn’s accuser would also revive speculation of a conspiracy against Strauss-Kahn aimed at torpedoing his presidential chances.

Within days of his arrest, a poll suggested that a majority of French think Strauss-Kahn – who long had a reputation as a womaniser and was nicknamed “the great seducer” – was the victim of a plot.

Strauss-Kahn was held without bail for nearly a week after his May arrest.

His lawyers ultimately persuaded a judge to release him by agreeing to extensive – and expensive – conditions, including an ankle monitor, surveillance cameras and armed guards.

He can leave only for court, weekly religious services and visits to doctors and his lawyers, and prosecutors must be notified at least six hours before he goes anywhere.