Strauss-Kahn to Be Tried as a Pimp

Dominique Strauss-Kahn will have to defend himself in a French court on charges of aggravated pimping despite recommendations by prosecutors that the charges be dropped. Judges investigating the case in the northern city of Lille decided today to go ahead with charges of aggravated pimping in a group against 14 people, including the former International Monetary Fund chief.

The case revolves around an alleged hotel prostitution ring and hinges on whether Strauss-Kahn knew he was partying with prostitutes and whose money was used to pay them. His lawyers have said Strauss-Kahn had attended "libertine" gatherings but did not know that some women there were paid. Prosecutors in June had asked for the case against Strauss-Kahn to be dropped on the grounds of lack of evidence, though they agreed the others should be charged. (More Dominique Strauss Kahn stories.)