US files Polanski extradition request
US formally asks Switzerland to extradite film director Roman Polanski
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By Darren Estwick. |  |
Friday, 23, Oct 2009 11:15
By Richard James.
The US has formally asked Switzerland to extradite film director Roman Polanski to face child sex charges.
The Swiss justice ministry released a statement on Friday confirming Washington filed the request late last night.
The 76-year-old has been held in Swiss custody since he was arrested at the Zurich Film Festival last month over his 1977 conviction for sex with an underage girl, after which he fled the US
The extradition request is now being considered by Zurich authorities who will make a decision shortly on whether to send the director back to Los Angeles.
Even if extradition is agreed though, Polanski may be able to appeal the decision at the Swiss courts.
The film-maker pleaded guilty in 1977 to having sex with 13-year-old Samantha Geimer but fled the country before sentencing and began living in Paris, which has limited extradition with the US.
He was arrested last month at the Zurich film festival, where he was due to receive a lifetime achievement award.