The building in New York where Dominique Strauss-Kahn, released from jail Friday night, will live temporarily became the center of media interest, to the displeasure of his neighbors.
After four days spent in the prison cell, the former director of the IMF, charged with sexual offenses which he denies, was installed at number 71 on Broadway near Ground Zero.
According to local media, Dominique Strauss-Kahn lives in an apartment belonging to the company Stroz Friedberg, who will provide supervision, after the co-owner of the building where he wanted to move initially refused this annoying tenant.
As soon as former IMF director and French favorite for the 2012 presidential elections arrived there, an army of journalists has surrounded the building, but they are kept away by police barriers, while the trucks for TV live feed are parked outside.
Any person moving or leaving this building with an impressive entrance, framed by four marble columns, is besieged by journalists.
Residents, who have a terrace and a gym, do not seem thrilled to welcome this new neighbor.
“I’m a little shocked. Everything is surreal”, said one man.
Gemma Harding, a woman wearing white dress and a fake fur coat, was trying in vain to escape the cameras. “I hate it. It is a little scary”, she says.
Nicole Mitrovic, aged 23, who returns from her Yoga course is astonished. “Is he well supervised? As a woman I’m a little concerned and I’ll have to remain vigilant”, she says.
But there is little chance that she and other neighbors to meet with Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is forbidden to leave the apartment, except for medical emergencies, and is placed under surveillance cameras and an armed guard.
Staying at number 71 on Broadway will still be quite short, and Strauss-Kahn will leave the property as soon as finding a permanent residence for him.