Ex-IMF chief indicted, granted bail

NEW YORK, May 19 (APP) - Dominique Strauss-Kahn was granted bail by a New York judge on Thursday afternoon, and the former IMF chief has vowed to fight charges that he tried to rape a hotel maid in New York City.Over the objections of prosecution, New York State Supreme Court Judge Michael Obus said that Strauss-Kahn, 62, can be released on $1 million cash bail, and placed under 24-hour home detention with electronic monitoring—conditions that had been proposed by his lawyers.

The judge also said Strauss-Kahn must have an armed guard at all times at his own expense and have a $5 million insurance bond. 

The former head of the International Monetary Fund arrived in a Manhattan appeared in the courtroom Thursday afternoon wearing a gray suit and an open blue shirt. He turned to give a quick smile to supporters in the gallery that included a daughter and his wife, the television journalist Anne Sinclair.
The 62-year-old banker and diplomat had been being held at city's notorious Rikers Island jail complex. He's been behind bars since his arrest Saturday.
A prosecutor began the hearing by announcing that a grand jury had found enough evidence for an indictment, a procedural step that elevates the seriousness of the charge. 
"The proof against him is substantial. It is continuing to grow every day as the investigation continues," said Assistant District Attorney John He will be arraigned on June 6.
An attorney for Strauss-Kahn, William Taylor, said that Ms. Sinclair had rented an apartment in the city where her husband could be confined and watched by an armed monitor, although he suggested few precautions were necessary. 
"In our view, no bail is required to confirm Mr. Strauss-Kahn's appearance. He is an honourable man ... and he has only one interest at this time, and that is to clear his name," Taylor said.
Strauss-Kahn resigned as managing director of the International Monetary Fund late Wednesday, saying he needed to focus on clearing his name.
His lawyers have promised that, if released, he won't flee to France. 
They have asked that Strauss-Kahn be placed under house arrest in New York, and wear an electronic device to monitor his movements.
The defence team made a similar request Monday that was denied, but was making additional arguments before a new judge, Supreme Court Justice Michael Obus, who oversees all criminal courts in Manhattan.
The judge called a brief recess during the hearing to ponder written materials.
Scores of reporters lined up outside the courtroom door before the hearing, with still more journalists and cameras poised outside the building. 
Prosecutors have opposed Strauss-Kahn's release, saying his wealth and international connections would make it easy for him to flee.
Strauss-Kahn is charged with attacking a 32-year-old housecleaner Saturday afternoon at his Manhattan hotel suite. The 32-year-old immigrant from the West African nation of Guinea told police that he chased her down a hallway,and tried to sexually assault her.
In his resignation letter, released by the IMF executive board, Strauss-Kahn denied the allegations against him, but said he would quit to protect the institution.