THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Photographs released of Dominique Strauss-Kahn have prompted further anger in France about the treatment of the former presidential hopeful.
The mug shot of the 62-year-old, which was released with his charge sheet, was taken more than 24 hours after he was arrested on charges of sexual assault on a New York hotel chambermaid. It shows him looking exhausted, his eyes downcast and half-closed.
A second photo, obtained by the New York Daily News pictured the former IMF chief in his cell wearing the sleeveless blue smock, which is said to be too bulky to make into a noose and too tough to tear. Mr Strauss-Kahn is said to be on suicide watch after he reportedly "did or said something" to alarm officials during a mental health evaluation.
Several French newspapers and websites refused to publish the photos.
RMC radio said the photo in his cell breached the presumption of innocence of a "man accused of rape, but not yet judged."
"It profoundly shocked us. It responds to the deep instincts of voyeurism and a desire to commit a media and popular lynching. But is contrary to the democratic and republican spirit," the radio said on its website.
Many in France were already outraged at Mr Strauss-Kahn being paraded before the cameras in a "perp walk" before being given the chance to defend himself in court. » | Henry Samuel, Paris | Thursday, May 19, 2011
