Oscar-winning movie director Roman Polanski has been arrested in Switzerland and is being held for extradition to the United States to face charges of having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977. Polanski pleaded guilty to the charges in 1978 then fled the country before sentencing.Polanski, 76, was arrested as he arrived in Zurich to receive a lifetime achievement award.
Polanski was arrested on a 2005 international alter issued by the U.S. government. Justice Minister Eveline Wildmer-Schlumpf said Switzerland had to act on the request and there was no political "pressure" involved. There was "no other solution" but to arrest Polanski, the minister told reporters.
Victim Plied With Champagne, Drugs
In March 1977, Polanski received permission from the mother of Samantha Geimer to photograph her for a fashion magazine at the Hollywood Hills home of Jack Nicholson. Geimer, who is now a 45-year-old mother of three, was 13 years old at the time.
She told authorities that Polanski gave her champagne and drugs and took nude pictures of her in a hot tub. He then had sex with her although she tried to resist and asked to be taken home.
Geimer has joined with Polanski's attorneys in requesting that the charges against him be dismissed, because she wants the case to be over.
Arrest Could Lead to Freedom
Ironically, Polanski's arrest could ultimately lead to his freedom. Earlier this year his U.S. attorneys argued that his conviction be dismissed because the judge in the case improperly colluded with prosecutors. Judge Peter Espinoza said he believed there was evidence of substantial misconduct, but he refused to rule on the motion unless Polanski appeared in court.
If Polanski is extradited and appears in court in Los Angeles, the 1978 charges could be dismissed.
He first made headlines in 1969 when his second wife, actress Sharon Tate, was murdered by members of Charles Manson Family. Polanski was out of the country at the time.
Polanski directed the movies "Rosemary's Baby," "Chinatown" and "The Pianist."
Polanski himself was the subject of a 2008 documentary, "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired," which examined differences in the public's attitude towards Polanski in France and in the United States, according to Jennifer Merin, About.com Documentaries Guide.
See Also:
Polanski Detained in Switzerland Over Underage Sex Case
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Comments
How can one know..this country(America)and the world are way out of phase with reality.
Thanks for mentioning <a href"http://documentaries.about.com/b/2009/09/27/arrested-roman-polanski-wanted-and-desired-in-the-news.htm" title="Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired" in your commentary. It’s important to note that the documentary — in addition to pointing out the differences between America’s and France’s perceptions about the case — actually advances the Polanski story by introducing new evidence — which has since been acknowledged by the judge now handling the case — that may influence not only the world’s perceptions, but also it’s outcome. I highly recommend that anyone who is even remotely interested in following this case, criminal matters in general and legal issues see this elucidating documentary. It’s easily accessible on DVD. Please note, too, that there’s a forum discussion at documentaries.about.com about the Polanski documentary and case, and all who may be interested are invited to join in. This discussion is important not only for the film community and movie lovers, it’s also relevant for anyone interested in justice and judicial issues.
Hi again…
Obviously my attempt at coding my previous comment failed…and I do mean thanks for mentioning “Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired” or, with a second attempt at coding .
Was there a law of having sex with a minor in 1977?
I believed that there was no law against that. If I am wrong then i need some enlightment.
Re: Cezar Perez obvioulsy there was a law, why would he pled guilty to the charges in 1978