Polanski loses first round in Swiss extradition battle

Roman Polanski today lost the first round in his battle to avoid extradition to the US for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl.

Already locked in a Zurich cell for the last dozen days, Mr Polanski learned he will remain in jail for an extended period as the Swiss Justice Ministry rejected his plea to be released from custody.

Swiss authorities expressed fear he might flee the country if freed from prison.

The director of such films as Rosemary’s Baby and Chinatown has been wanted by US authorities since fleeing sentencing 31 years ago.

“We continue to be of the opinion that there is a high risk of flight,” said ministry spokesman Folco Galli, explaining the decision.

Mr Galli told The Associated Press that the threat was too great for the government to accept bail or other security measures in exchange for the release of the filmmaker.

Mr Polanski was apprehended on September 26 as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award at a film festival. Authorities in Los Angeles consider him a convicted felon and a fugitive, and Switzerland says there has been an international warrant out on him since 2005.

Mr Polanski’s legal representatives are also appealing to Switzerland’s federal criminal court to free the director. Mr Galli said the Justice Ministry has submitted a letter to the tribunal explaining why it opposes release even on bail.

Legal experts say Mr Polanski stands a minimal chance of a speedy release, even if his lawyers have suggested that he be held under house arrest in his chalet in the luxury resort of Gstaad.

“In practice, I don’t remember any case where a fugitive has been released on bail while awaiting extradition to a foreign country,” said former Zurich prosecutor Peter Cosandey, adding that Mr Polanski’s ownership of an Alpine chalet doesn’t aid his case greatly.

“He could easily disappear,” said Mr Cosandey, referring to Switzerland’s lax border controls.

“He could just hop on a train to Germany. Coming by plane, you’re often just waived on. By car, it’s even easier.”