Le Figaro: Hollande to be questioned in new Strauss-Kahn rape probe

Jul 19, 2011, 9:50 GMT

Paris - French presidential hopeful Francois Hollande faces questioning by French police as part of an investigation into fresh allegations of attempted rape brought against former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Le Figaro newspaper reported Tuesday.

Hollande, who is a leading contender to represent the Socialist Party in next year's election, will be questioned by police in September over what he knew about the claims made by French writer Tristane Banon against Strauss-Kahn, the paper reported.

Banon, 32, accuses Strauss-Kahn, 62, of attempting to rape her during an interview in 2003 in Paris. A police unit in charge of investigating attacks on people is investigating the claims.

The writer and her mother say Hollande, who was the then leader of the Socialist Party, of which Strauss-Kahn is a senior member, was aware of the affair.

Hollande in May said he knew of no incident of the gravity described by Banon but later admitted there had been 'rumours.'

The police are also set to hear from Strauss-Kahn's youngest daughter, Camille, by his second wife Brigitte Guillemette.

Banon, who is Guillemette's goddaughter, says she informed the 26-year-old Camille of the incident shortly after it occurred.

Guillemette was already questioned by police in connection with the affair last week, according to Le Figaro.

The 'other DSK affair' has thrown up fresh hurdles to Strauss-Kahn staging a possible political comeback, two months after he was arrested on charges of attempting to rape a New York hotel maid.

Prosecution doubts over the credibility of his accuser have since thrown that case into jeopardy.

Banon announced she would file a lawsuit against Strauss-Kahn a few days after he was freed from house arrest in New York on July 1.

French legal experts say it will be difficult to prove Strauss-Kahn attempted to rape Banon, eight years after the encounter.

Any lesser charges would come under the category of sexual assault, which Banon would have had to report within three years.