Former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn, pictured here in 2009. (Wikimedia Commons)

According to The New York Post, a Bronx judge called his plea a desperate "Hail Mary." Strauss-Khan was gunning for international protection while his trial continues after last August's civil lawsuit filed by Midtown Sofitel Hotel maid Nafissatou Diallo.

From the Post:

The Manhattan DA declined to prosecute Strauss-Kahn. The humiliating incident prompted his resignation from his IMF post.

“Confronted with the well-stated law that his voluntary resignation from the IMF terminated any immunity which he enjoyed, Mr. Strauss-Kahn threw [legally speaking that is] his own version of a ‘Hail Mary’ pass,” State Supreme Court Justice Douglas McKeon, wrote in a 12-page decision.

The ruling allows Diallo’s lawyers to move forward with their lawsuit and eventually force DSK, through subpoena, to return to the New York for vigorous deposition.

“We said all along this was a delay tactic,” Diallo’s lawyer Douglas Wigdor said.

“We’re pleased with the judge’s decision and look forward to holding Strauss-Kahn accountable for the despicable act he committed.”

The judge pointed out Strauss-Kahn did not claim immunity when the charges were first filed, and would now need to establish that he had "enjoyed absolute immunity which continued after his resignation from the IMF until at least August 8, 2011, the day the process in this action was served."

Strauss-Kahn's lawyers say despite the hurdle, they still expect their client to be cleared.

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