Roman Polanski To Stay In Prison For Now - Appeal Rejected
Oct. 6 2009, Published 11:44 a.m. ET
Oscar winning director Roman Polanski moved a step closer to being extradited back to America Tuesday after the Swiss Government rejected an appeal to release him from prison.
Ministry spokesman Folco Galli explained the decision was made on the basis that they feel there is a high risk that Polanski might flee the country if he was released from jail.
The Chinatown and The Pianist directors lawyers have filed a separate court case as they try desperately to stop him being sent back to America.
Roman Polanski: No Sharon Tate Movie
He was arrested in Switzerland on September 26 as he arrived at the Zurich Film Festival US authorities want him extradited for having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977.
Polanski was accused of plying the underage girl with champagne and part of a Quaalude pill during a modeling shoot and then raping her.
Roman Polanski Files Motion Requesting Release
He was initially indicted on six felony counts, including rape by use of drugs, child molesting and sodomy. He eventually pled guilty to the lesser charge of unlawful sexual intercourse.
Following Tuesday’s decision, it is likely he will have to remain in prison for months as his parallel case in the Swiss courts progresses.
Roman Polanski Arrested! Read the Details.
The Federal Criminal Court has said it will rule in the case in the "next weeks," and a verdict in either direction can be appealed to the country's highest judicial body, the Federal Tribunal.
Polanski has received backing from directors and film stars in Hollywood and Europe, and from government officials in France and Poland, where he holds citizenship.
Read The Original Harrowing Testimony Of Roman Polanski Rape Victim
But some of that support has waned since the original shock of his arrest, with leading French and Polish officials urging a more restrained reaction considering the crime.
Polanski and the victim, Samantha Geimer, reached a $500,000 settlement in October 1993, according to documents recently released in Los Angeles.
Geimer, who long ago identified herself, sued Polanski in December 1988 when she was 25 years old, alleging sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress and seduction.
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Official: Roman Polanski Could Be Freed On Bail
Now married with three children and living in Hawaii she has since joined in Polanski's bid for dismissal and has forgiven him.
