Thaindian News

Zurich, Sep 29 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Noted fugitive director Roman Polanski, who was arrested in Switzerland over the weekend, when he went there to collect an award, seeks release from prison and his lawyers said that he will fight extradition to the United States where he faces the courts for having sex with a 13-year-old girl.

“He has traveled openly and transparently,” said Jeff Berg, the chairman of International Creative Management and Mr. Polanski’s agent. Mr. Polanski owns a home in Switzerland and is a frequent visitor there.

“A decision will be made in the coming weeks, following arguments by both parties,” said a statement by the court. In the days since Mr. Polanski’s arrest, his lawyers have said that he would fight any extradition order from the U.S. and that they would argue that he should be released immediately, pending the Swiss legal procedure to determine whether he should be sent back to the U.S.

A spokesman for the Swiss Justice Ministry has said that Swiss law does allow for the release of prisoners on bail, but that such a request is granted very rarely. Mr. Polanski isn’t a Swiss citizen and could be considered a flight risk. U.S. Officials have said that it will likely take weeks to prepare the formal extradition request. Under the terms of the extradition treaty between the U.S. and Switzerland, U.S. authorities have only 60 days to lodge a formal extradition request.

Polanski won an Academy Award for the best director in 2003 for his brilliant movie “The Pianist.” He was also nominated for best director Oscars for the movies “Tess” and “Chinatown” and also for the best writing for “Rosemary’s Baby.”