For the acclaimed director of 76 years old, a film festival in Zurich was anything but the award ceremony he was anticipating. US officials took Polanski into custody related to a sex charge from the 1970s. Roman Polanski was in Zurich to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Swiss film community.
At the CrookedTimber.org, Kieran Healy takes a solid look at the historical record and issues surrounding the Roman Polanski arrest, check it out…
One of the things the makes the arrest of Roman Polanski so regrettable is the fact that it has nothing to do with the ‘victim’ of his crime. Samantha Geimer has publicly stated that she never wanted to file charges against Polanski and wants the charges dropped. The Los Angeles DA has other ideas though and they have nothing to do with the will of the parties involved.
Condemnation of the acclaimed director Roman Polanski’s arrest earlier today by French officials was swift and absolute. The office of French culture minister Frederic Mitterrand was quoted as saying he was “stunned” and he “regrets the new ordeal” that Mr. Polanski is being put through. They also condemn Switzerland’s decision to allow the arrest.
Yahoo News States:
“A surprise arrest at the Zurich airport, detention at the hands of Swiss authorities, and a high-profile extradition process that could take weeks or months. The irony is that for Roman Polanski, the acclaimed director accused of child rape three decades ago, this latest ordeal could lead to the one thing he’s lacked since: his freedom.”
Let’s hope this is in fact the case.
Zurich has extradition arrangements with the United States. Upon arrival at Zurich Airport, Roman Polanski was taken into custody. He flew to Zurich under the pretense that he was to receive a lifetime achievement award, but was instead arrested.
Roman Polanski has been arrested on a charge that dates back over 30 years, after fleeing the United States in the 1970s. Do you think he should be forgiven?Roman
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