Useless Place Blog

The US Government formally requested the extradition of Oscar-winning film director Roman Polanski over charges of unlawful sex with a minor in 1977.

Polanski has been detained in a Zurich jail since September 26 and refused bail for fear he would escape. He could face two years in prison if he is extradited to the US, according to an official of the Swiss justice ministry. Switzerland must now make its own decision on the request and is under no time pressure to do so, said the official, Folco Galli.

“The United States want him to be extradited for sexual intercourse with a minor. This carries a maximum sentence of two years under US law,” Galli said.

“If he agrees voluntarily to the extradition, the process can be concluded rapidly. If he fights it all the way, it will take months and months.”

The ministry said Polanski will be allowed to appeal the extradition with the Swiss Federal Criminal Court and, in the last instance, the Federal Supreme Court. His lawyer revealed the director, who is a French and a Polish citizen, was depressed and tired and ill with a hernia he had before he was arrested at a local film festival.

US judicial sources say the extradition process is complex and could take years if Polanski does not comply.