DSK Rape Charges Dismissed: Justice Or Tragedy?
In the midst of earthquakes and hurricanes last week, it was easy to miss another story in New York: the dismissal of rape charges against Dominique Strauss-Kahn. Just as the media recklessly judged Strauss-Kahn before any evidence was presented, it has now viciously turned on the accuser, labeling her a “fraud.” Regardless of what actually happened in that hotel room, this story has confirmed the worst fears of rape victims everywhere: that they are better off keeping their mouths shut.
Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance, Jr. dropped the charges over the reliability of Nafissatou Diallo, the hotel maid accusing the French banker of sexual assault. Unfortunately, Ms. Diallo seems to have given the prosecution lots of reasons to doubt her. She has now admitted to lying repeatedly, on immigration documents and about past rapes. Her accounts of the night of the alleged assault have been inconsistent and conflicting. Physical evidence (including semen found in the hotel room and on Diallo’s uniform) did prove that, in Vance’s words, “[Strauss-Kahn] engaged in a hurried sexual encounter with [Diallo]”. But with no further evidence and no witnesses, the nature of that encounter would be determined entirely by Diallo’s credibility.
This may not be the right case for grand statements and judgements. It’s too messy and too unclear. Many experts agree that Vance made the right legal decision.
But there is something outrageous about a woman being denied the chance to criminally prosecute an accused rapist because of perception. Everyone has told lies or done ugly things, and this case reaffirms that these unfortunate acts may haunt a person in their most vulnerable hour.
As thousands of freshman begin college this week, many will have orientations that discuss rape. With critics dismissing these anti-rape efforts as “brainwashing,” I worry that young women in crisis will indeed begin to think not about the truth of their situation, but how it will appear. And I worry that anyone who has led a less-than-angelic life will have to think twice before standing up for what is right.
What do you think? Did the system rightly protect a man from weak accusations, or was Nafissatou Diallo denied justice?
Nafissatou Diallo will get what she aimed at : money, either from her civil suit or by selling her story to a publisher. She won’t have to lie to get a low rent appartment or to launder money for one of her numerous ‘brothers’.
I think she should be expelled from the US as she lied under oath to get asylum in that country.
Meanwhile D.S. Kahn’s seen his future jeopardised by her accusations and the unwise decisions the DA made at first.
I’d be delighted to see him sue her.
It should have gone to court. Strauss-Kahn is a very lucky man, shows what throwing a lot of money at expensive lawyers can do.
The physical evidence + the outdry witnesses + the experts’ views were overwhelmingly in favour of there having been an agression.
Strauss-Kahn has lied before – see the Mery affair/scandal
He also has a filthy reputation where women are concerned.
La france l’a echappe belle! DSK president et madame Sinclair, premiere dame! Une plaisanterie! A joke! Lui: “je suis le chef du fmi . Je suis beau, riche et intelligent. En fait, je peux tout faire! Je sors de la douche tout nu et la femme de menage ( elle a ete belle mais je ne le sais pas) tombe a mes genoux et… Je la laisse faire.” Monsieur Strauss khan, contentons nous de votre version des faits et,s’il y a eu consentement, ce que l’on vous reproche, c’est de ne pas avoir releve cette pauvre dame tombee sous votre irresistible charme et lui avoir redonne un peu de dignite. Vous avez abuse de votre pouvoir Monsieur Strauss khan. La riche elite dont vous et votre premiere dame faites partie sait que pour qu’une societe fonctionne, lois et morale doivent etre respectes. Vous avez fait preuve ni de classe, ni de retenue et en tant que leader, vous nous avez decus.