Former IMF chief freed from house arrest

Allies of former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn have said he could make a political comeback in France now that he has been freed from house arrest in the US.



Before being accused of sexually assaulting a hotel maid in New York on May 14, Strauss-Kahn was tipped as a possible French presidential candidate.



But doubts have since emerged about the credibility of the maid, and the case is reportedly close to collapse.



Yesterday, a judge ordered Strauss-Kahn released on his own recognisance.

His is now free to travel in the US, although he cannot leave the country and must appear in court again later this month.



Strauss-Kahn, who resigned as head of the International Monetary Fund to defend himself, vigorously denies the charges.