LILLE, France (AFP) - Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn on Tuesday took the stand in a French court where he is accused of "aggravated pimping" for his role in a prostitution ring.

Dressed in a dark navy suit, the 65-year-old appeared tense as he stood, hands folded on top of the stone, triangular podium as the main judge began by questioning him about his career.