Dominique Strauss-Kahn gives evidence at pimping trial

Dominique Strauss-Kahn has taken the witness stand to testify about his alleged role in sex parties with prostitutes, saying the frequency of the evenings had been wildly exaggerated.

"When you read the criminal complaint you get the impression it was this frenetic activity," Strauss-Kahn told the court.

"But it was four times a year, not more than that. It wasn't this out-of-control activity."

The 65-year-old former head of the International Monetary Fund is accused of instigating about a dozen parties he knew involved prostitutes between 2008-2011 in the northern French city of Lille, Washington, Brussels and Paris.

Feminist activists threw themselves on Dominique Strauss-Kahn's car in protest as the ex-IMF chief arrived at court to testify over his alleged role in sex parties with prostitutes.

Several topless protesters from the FEMEN group wore slogans painted in black on their chests and torsos as they tried to climb onto the vehicle, before police pulled them away.

Strauss-Kahn, 65, is accused of instigating parties he knew involved prostitutes between 2008-2011 in the northern French city of Lille, Washington DC, Brussels and Paris.

Allegations that he participated in a French sex ring emerged after criminal charges that he sexually assaulted a hotel chambermaid maid in New York were dropped in 2011.