The preliminary release decision by Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Michael Obus came as the Manhattan District Attorney's office announced a seven-count indictment that accuses Strauss-Kahn of two counts of criminal sexual acts in the first degree, attempted rape, first-degree sexual abuse, unlawful imprisonment and two lesser charges.
District Attorney Cyrus Vance said the "extremely serious charges" were supported by evidence gathered by his office and New York City police investigators.
The developments in the closely watched case involving an alleged weekend attack at the Sofitel New York in Manhattan occurred within 24 hours after Strauss-Kahn resigned from the IMF under mounting international pressure.