Stunning turnaround in Strauss-Kahn sexual-assault case

In a stunning turnaround former IMF chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, may soon walk free –atleast from house arrest - after attorneys from prosecution and defence requested an unexpected late-morning hearing in State Supreme Court. New York City prosecutors are expected to tell the court that they are in possession of information that raises serious concerns about the credibility of the hotel chambermaid who accused him of sexual assault.

As a result, attorneys for Dominique Strauss-Kahn will ask the court to reduce the conditions of his bail.

The New York Times reported Thursday night that the prosecution's case against Strauss-Kahn was close to collapsing.

Attorneys for both New York City and Strauss-Kahn declined to comment.

Under fresh and more relaxed bail conditions agreed to by the prosecution, Strauss-Kahn is expected to be allowed to travel freely in the United States but not abroad. So far he has been restricted to an apartment in Manhattan even as he awaits trial.

Reports suggest the arrangement costs him $250,000 per month.