Swiss authorities denied a request to release film director Roman Polanski on bail after he was arrested in September after fleeing sentencing for having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977, a government spokesman said on Tuesday.

"In our view, there is still a very high risk that he will flee and that a release on bail or other measures after a release cannot guarantee Polanski's presence in the extradition procedure," Justice Ministry spokesman Folco Galli said.

The 76-year-old Oscar-winning director, who holds dual French and Polish citizenship, was arrested at the request of the United States when he flew into Switzerland on Sept. 26 to receive a lifetime achievement prize at a film festival.

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