Strauss-Kahn Sent to Rikers Island

International Monetary Fund Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s request on Monday for $1 million bail has been denied by a New York judge, who then sent the prominent French politician to Rikers Island. Strauss-Kahn, a favorite to win the Socialist party nomination in the French presidential election in 2012, pleaded not guilty to the seven charges. He faces up to 25 years in prison on the charges, but Strauss-Kahn and his team said they are ready to fight. “The battle has just begun,” said defense lawyer Benjamin Brafman. Strauss-Kahn had been due to attend the EU finance minister’s meeting in Brussels to discuss financial bailouts, but the EU said the criminal case will not affect the bailouts.