The dramatic reversal in the Dominique Strauss-Kahn case in New York has astonished the French, and amid reports that the charges against him might be dropped this week, conspiracy theories about the dramatic sequence of events in New York have resurfaced.

Socialist councillor Michele Sabban hinted that the management of the Sofitel hotel which is part of the French group Accor, were complicit in what she called a political assassination.

She also cited reports in the United States media of cosy ties between right wing French President Nicolas Sarkozy and New York police chief Ray Kelly.

Claude Géant told French television on Monday that such accusations were “odious”, before adding “It is out of the question that anyone in France could manipulate American justice”.

A source close to the case told the French newsagency 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.

More:  http://www.english.rfi.fr/americas/20110704-strauss-kahn-conspiracy-theories-resurface