FACING THE WORLD

Facing the world this week is Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)who is presently fighting charges that he tried to rape a 32-year-old hotel maid, has been denied bail and sent to New York's Rikers Island jail.

Lawyers for Strauss-Kahn, who appeared in a New York court on Monday, said he would plead not guilty to the accusations.
The IMF chief, accustomed to luxury hotel suites and first-class plane travel, was moved to a bare cell at Rikers hours after being denied bail. He is due to appear in court again on May 20.

Making his first court appearance on the sex charges, the Frenchman looked grim-faced as he stood before a judge in a dark raincoat and open-collared shirt.
 Strauss-Kahn, 62, said nothing as a lawyer professed his innocence and strove in vain to get him released on bail.

HUMILIATION

In my opinion,regardless of the outcome of the trial,Strauss-kahn has lost all credibility. His hopes of running as a presidential candidate in the next French elections are ruined.


"I am also hearing rumors that Mr Strauss-Kahn is considering stepping down from the IMF, not withstanding any court appearance.