Strauss-Kahn released on bail under home arrest

NEW YORK, May 20 (Itar-Tass) -- Manhattan Criminal Court in New York
City agreed on Thursday to release Dominique Strauss-Kahn after he
resigned as IMF chief on bail of $ 1 million and a $5 million insurance
bond.
Strauss-Kahn is charged in the U.S. with an attempted rape of a hotel
maid.
Judge Michael Obus said Strauss-Kahn, 62, shall be placed under
24-hour home detention with electronic monitoring. He also must have one
armed guard round-the-clock at his own expense.
Strauss-Kahn denied charges of a criminal sexual act and attempted
rape.
"I want to devote all my strength, all my time, and all my energy to
proving my innocence," Strauss-Kahn wrote in a statement.
He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
In the meantime the IMF is urgently looking for a replacement to
Strauss-Kahn.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Europe can offer a replacement
of "very high quality", but did not elaborate.