Polanski to remain behind bars

The Federal Criminal Court rejected offers by Polanski’s legal team of bail, house arrest and other measures to ensure that he stays in Switzerland.

The acclaimed filmmaker is considered a convicted felon and a fugitive by authorities in Los Angeles, and the US is seeking his extradition for having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977. He was arrested by the Swiss on September 26 as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award from a film festival.

“The court considered the risk that Roman Polanski might flee if released from custody as high,” the federal court said. “The bail offered by the appellant does not meet in its form the requirements set out by the law.” The tribunal based in the southern Swiss city of Bellinzona left open possibilities for Polanski to challenge its verdict, highlighting some of the options that may feature in what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle over his extradition.

Polanski can appeal to Switzerland’s highest tribunal for release. He can also continue attempts to persuade the Swiss Justice Ministry to release him.The director of such film classics as Rosemary’s Baby and Chinatown was accused of plying the underage girl with champagne and part of a Quaalude sedative pill during a modelling shoot in 1977, and raping her.