Roman Polanski Files Motion Requesting Release
Sep. 29 2009, Published 8:30 a.m. ET
Academy Award winning film director Roman Polanski filed a motion Tuesday requesting to be released from detention.
The Swiss court said in a statement that it will make a decision on the matter "in the next weeks".
Any verdict is subject to appeal from both sides.
Official: Roman Polanski could be freed on bail
The renowned Polish-French director was arrested on Saturday as he arrived in Zurich to receive a film festival award for his life's work. He is being held in prison awaiting possible extradition to the United States.
The Pianist & Rosemary’s Baby director fled the United States in 1978 on the eve of being sentenced for drugging and having sex with a 13-year-old girl at actor Jack Nicholson's Los Angeles home. He has lived ever since in France.
Read details about Polanski’s arrest
Polanski’s attorney says the acclaimed director is in a “fighting mood” and will keep contesting his planned extradition to California.
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Polanski’s victim is now in her forties has said she does not want to see him prosecuted, saying: “He made a terrible mistake, but he's paid for it."
Polanski's wife Sharon Tate, pregnant with their child, was murdered in 1969 by Charles Manson follower Susan Atkins, who died last week from brain cancer.