Were There 'Irregularities' in Strauss-Kahn Arrest?

A defense source is claiming "irregularities" in the arrest of former IMF boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn just as he's to be arraigned today on charges that he sexually assaulted a Manhattan hotel maid. The source hinted at the possibility that local cops illegally intercepted a telephone call because they believed he was a flight risk. "The conditions of Mr. Strauss-Kahn's arrest pose a problem," the source told a French newspaper. "It appears the prosecutor glossed a little fast over the question of his personal status, and his computer and telephones. They had the IMF director arrested like a chicken thief. To justify it, they brought up" the risk of flight, "but the plane was booked some time ago," the source added.

Defense lawyers will officially demand all evidence and witness accounts that prosecutors have gathered in the case today. They've already complained about pre-trial leaks of some of the information to media outlets. "Our client's right to a fair trial is being compromised by the public disclosure of prejudicial material even before these materials have been disclosed to counsel," Strauss-Kahn's attorneys said in a letter to the judge presiding over the case. Strauss-Kahn is cooling his heels under house arrest in a $50,000 a month Manhattan townhouse while he awaits trial. (More Manhattan stories.)