PARIS - A French appeals court has partially lifted a ban that prevented former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn from talking to the media about an investigation of a suspected prostitution ring.
Strauss-Kahn, 63, is one of several public figures accused of being associated with the suspected prostitution ring at a chic hotel in the city of Lyon. Other suspects include prominent city officials and police.
In its ruling Wednesday, the court in Douai, which is handling the probe, said Strauss-Kahn can publicly discuss the case, but remains banned from contacting witnesses in it.
Strauss-Kahn is under investigation for alleged aggravated pimping, a charge he has denied. He has acknowledged being involved in "libertine" activity at the hotel, but said he was unaware that anyone was being paid for sex.
