Strauss-Kahn's French lawyers: Lust isn't a crime Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, partially visib...

Strauss-Kahn's French lawyers: Lust isn't a crime

Former International Monetary Fund chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, partially visible at center, leaves a court after being questioned in a probe into a suspected prostitution ring in Lille, northern France, Monday, March 26, 2012. Investigating judges are deciding whether to file preliminary charges against him. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)

PARIS — Lawyers defending Dominique Strauss-Kahn against allegations he was involved in a French prostitution ring say he is being unfairly targeted for his active extramarital sex life and committed no crime.

They are also protesting a judge's order barring the former International Monetary Fund chief from talking to the media pending further investigation.

Strauss-Kahn, a former French presidential hopeful, was handed preliminary charges Monday alleging he was involved in a hotel prostitution ring in France.

Lawyer Henri Leclerc said Tuesday that Strauss-Kahn didn't know he was having sex with prostitutes, and that he's certain the case against Strauss-Kahn will crumble.

A New York court is holding a hearing Wednesday in a civil case in which a hotel maid accuses Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault.

(Agencies)