Swiss court rejects Polanski bid for release

A Swiss court yesterday rejected a bid by film director Roman Polanski for release on bail as the risk was too high he would flee pending extradition to the US for having had unlawful sex with a minor in 1977.

"According to Swiss law, detention is the rule during the entire extradition proceedings," the Swiss Federal Criminal Court said in a statement. "The court considered the risk that Roman Polanski might flee if released from custody as high."

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 September 26 to receive a lifetime achievement prize at a film festival.

Mr Polanski's French lawyer Herve Temime has said his client was depressed and tired and has been moved from jail for medical treatment.

Swiss news agency SDA quoted him as saying Mr Polanski would appeal against the decision and offer stronger guarantees to ease concerns he might flee Switzerland.