Tag: roman polanski

Swiss Say Hell No to Releasing Roman Polanski on Bail

Roman Polanski will just have to enjoy the cold concrete of a Swiss jail a bit longer. On Tuesday, the Swiss Justice Ministry denied an appeal from Polanski to be released on bail pending extradition to the U.S.

Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski

Ministry spokesman Folco Galli said there was too high a risk Roman Polanski would flee Switzerland if he is released from custody. Considering he’s basically been running from the law for 30 years, we’re thinking that’s a pretty wise decision.

Polanski pleaded guilty in 1977 to having “unlawful sex with a minor” after drugging and sexually assaulting then 13-year-old Samantha Geimer. Before sentencing, Polanksi fled from the U.S. to escape possible jail time for his crime. The Oscar-winning director was arrested on Sept 26 at the Zurich airport on his way to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival.

Polanski is continuing to appeal for his release and fighting extradition to the U.S. Over 100 celebrities and film industry workers from around the world have signed a petition in support of Polanksi’s plea for freedom.

>> Previously: Over 100 Hollywood Celebs Sign Petition for Roman Polanski Release

Arnold Schwarzenegger Says Roman Polanksi Fame No Excuse

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has weighed in with his opinion on the arrest of director Roman Polanski for the 1977 rape of then 13-year-old Samantha Geimer.

“It doesn’t matter if you are a big-time movie actor or a big-time movie director or producer,” Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in an interview on CNN. “I think that he is a very respected person, and I am a big admirer of his work.”

arnold-schwarzenegger

Fame doesn’t give anyone the right to avoid justice for their crimes, however, according to Schwarzenegger. “I think he should be treated like everyone else,” the former Hollywood actor  said on CNN. “One should look into all of the allegations, not only his allegations but the allegations about his case. Was there something done wrong? You know, was injustice done in the case?” Guess Arnold won’t be signing that celebrity petition demanding Polanksi’s release. 

Roman Polanski is currently fighting extradition to California to answer for his 1977 sexual assault of Samantha Geimer. Polanski pleaded guilty to “unlawful sex with a minor” for the crime, but fled the country to escape possible jail time in sentencing.