Strauss-Kahn conspiracy theories resurface

Resurgent conspiracy theories over the Dominique Strauss-Kahn sex assault case angered the French government today, as speculation rose that he may return to the presidential race if cleared.

Interior Minister Claude Gueant denounced as "odious" the insinuations by two of Strauss-Kahn's allies in the Socialist Party, greater Paris regional councillor Michele Sebban and MP Francois Loncle.

Sebban had branded the arrest "a political assassination," hinting that the management of the hotel in which the alleged assault took place, the Sofitel, part of the French group Accor, was complicit.

She also cited reports in US media of cosy ties between President Nicolas Sarkozy and New York police chief Ray Kelly.

"What they are saying is truly scandalous," Gueant said on France 2 television today, confirming that he was informed of the arrest a few hours after it happened by the presidential intelligence chief.

"If Mr Loncle has accusations to bring he should take judicial action or shut up. These accusations are odious," he added. "It is out of the question that anyone in France could manipulate American justice."

A source close to the case who asked not to be named told AFP that the management of the Sofitel New York informed Accor of Strauss-Kahn's arrest  within an hour of it happening, and Accor then told the French presidency.

"The question of timing is important. It is relevant to know when the Accor group was informed and when Claude Gueant was informed," said Loncle yesterday.

The French intelligence service DCRI told APF it had no role in the affair. Accor in a statement denied that any of its managers were involved and warned the claims could be "defamatory".

The presidential palace declined to comment.

"I prefer to think of it as a trap rather than a conspiracy," said Pierre Moscovici, a senior party member and ally of Strauss-Kahn.

"Once it is known that, as I believe, there has been judicial mistake, we will search carefully to know what happened and how this trap was set," he said on BFMTV television.

Strauss-Kahn, who was head of the IMF global lender and favourite to beat Sarkozy in next year's election until the scandal hit, walked free from house arrest on Friday pending his next court appearance.

Prosecutors had admitted to doubts over the credibility of the Guinean hotel maid who accuses him of trying to rape her, saying she was suspected of lying to police.