Roman Polanski will have to spend his time in a Swiss jail until his extradition status is determined:
BELLINZONA, Switzerland – Roman Polanski suffered another setback in his fight against extradition to the United States on Tuesday when a Swiss court ordered the 76-year-old director kept in jail because he poses a high flight risk.
The Federal Criminal Court rejected offers by Polanski’s legal team of bail, house arrest and other measures to ensure that he stays in Switzerland.
The acclaimed filmmaker is considered a convicted felon and a fugitive by authorities in Los Angeles, and the United States is seeking his extradition for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl. He was arrested by the Swiss on Sept. 26 as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award from a film festival.
“The court considered the risk that Roman Polanski might flee if released from custody as high,” the federal court said. “The bail offered by the appellant does not meet in its form the requirements set out by the law.”
The tribunal based in the southern Swiss city of Bellinzona left open possibilities for Polanski to challenge its verdict, highlighting some of the options that may feature in what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle over his extradition.
Polanski can appeal to Switzerland’s highest tribunal for release. He can also continue attempts to persuade the Swiss Justice Ministry to release him. More court proceedings are expected after Washington files its formal extradition request, which it has until late November to submit.
Let the guy rot as far as I’m concerned.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I agree, of course. What I am puzzled by is the apparent delay in the extradition request. After more than three decades, one might assume that the State Department would have a request ready. After all, it isn’t like they didn’t know who or where this guy was.
October 20th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Good question