U.S. Makes Formal Request for Polanski Extradition
Nearly four weeks after the arrest of Roman Polanski, his extradition has been formally requested by the U.S., the Swiss justice ministry said Friday.
Reuters reports the ministry said it would make a decision on extradition based on a hearing and on information provided by Polanski's lawyer, but that there was no deadline.
"We will take the time that is needed," spokesman Folco Galli said.
Polanski, who has been in jail since his arrest on Sept. 26, has already been denied an appeal to be released on bail pending the extradition proceedings.
He will now be able to appeal against any extradition decision to the Swiss Federal Criminal Court and, in ultimately, the Federal Supreme Court, if necessary.
Polanski fled the U.S. 32 years ago when he was due to be sentenced for having unlawful sex with a minor. The Oscar winner, on his way to a film festival, was arrested in Zurich on a warrant stemming from the decades old court case.
U.S. judicial sources have said the extradition process is complex and could take years if Polanski challenges it.
Story: http://www.hollywoodwiretap.com/?module=news&action=story&id=41678
Photo(s) by Hollywood.com- © 2002- Focus Features- All Rights Reserved
Bookmark this news story with:
News Archive