PARIS, Dec 19, 2012 (AFP) - A probe into allegations that Dominique Strauss-Kahn procured prostitutes for sex parties will continue after a French court on Wednesday rejected a request for pimping charges against the former IMF chief to be dismissed.
Lawyers for the disgraced politician said they would appeal the court's decision.
"Mr Strauss-Kahn's defence is certain that he will ultimately be cleared of the absurd charges of pimping that have been made against him," they said in a statement.
Accusation follow on from New York claims
The setback for Strauss-Kahn came a week after he agreed a financial settlement with a New York hotel maid who had accused him of sexual assault in a case that forced him to resign from his IMF job and wrecked his chances of becoming French president.
Details of the settlement were not disclosed, but legal experts said Strauss-Kahn would have been required to pay Nafissatou Diallo several million dollars over her allegation he had jumped on her naked and forced her to perform oral sex.
Strauss-Kahn admitted a sexual encounter took place in the Sofitel hotel in May 2011 but insisted it was consensual.
A criminal investigation into the incident collapsed after Diallo changed her version of events, prompting the prosecution to conclude there was little chance of a conviction.
French prosecutors however are convinced they have a case against Strauss-Kahn for "aggravated pimping in an organised gang".
