Roman Polanski arrest becomes an international incident [Updated]

The arrest of Roman Polanski has become an international incident, with France and Poland demanding that the famed director be released on bail and questioning why he was taken into custody.

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office wants Polanski extradited to face charges that he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl 30 years ago.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told France-Inter radio that he and Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski asked Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton that Polanski be released on bail, calling his arrest  a "bit sinister."

French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand was quoted in French media as saying, "In the same way that there is a generous America that we like, there is also a scary America that has just shown its face."

Swiss authorities told the Associated Press that bail has not been ruled out, but the director would have to stay in Switzerland.

Robert Harris, a British novelist who had worked with Polanski, said in a statement that he believed the arrest was "politically motivated." "I am shocked that any man of 76, whether distinguished or not, should have been treated in such a fashion," he said.

Polanski's decision to attend the Zurich Film Festival this weekend was a major win for a minor event, but it turned into a bigger coup for Los Angeles County authorities who seized the opportunity to arrange the arrest  of a Hollywood fugitive.

When the Academy Award-winning director of films such as "Chinatown," "Rosemary's Baby" and "The Pianist" arrived at the Zurich, Switzerland, airport Saturday night for a well-publicized appearance, Swiss officials armed with a U.S. arrest warrant took him into custody. The arrest touches off extradition proceedings that could return the filmmaker to the United States to face the child sex case he fled in 1978.

The county district attorney's office, which prosecuted Polanski 32 years ago for the sexual assault and has battled the director in the last year over his attempts to have the controversial case dismissed, initiated the arrest last week when it learned of his travel plans to Zurich.

"It wasn't any secret. It was on the Internet. They were selling tickets to it," said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the office. She said prosecutors prepared a provisional warrant and sent it to U.S. Justice Department officials, who presented it to Swiss authorities.

The arrest stunned Polanski, who has long lived in Paris, where his French citizenship protects him from extradition. His attorneys in the U.S. and France said that despite his fugitive status in the United States, the director routinely travels throughout Europe. He owns a chalet in the Swiss ski resort of Gstaad, and festival organizers said they never considered his U.S. legal problems when recruiting him to headline their event by accepting a lifetime achievement award.

"There were no concerns whatsoever," festival spokeswoman Nikki Parker said.

The length and outcome of Polanski's stay in Switzerland remained uncertain Sunday.

"If he agrees with an extradition, he could be sent to the U.S. in the next days," said Guido Ballmer, a spokesman for the Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police.

But statements by his French attorney suggested there was little chance that Polanski would return without a fight. Herve Temime told the French newspaper Le Figaro that he planned to fly to Switzerland with Polanski's wife, actress Emmanuelle Seigner, to seek the director's release.

[Updated at 7:23 a.m.: Temime told ABC's "Good Morning America" that Polanski would fight extradition. "He wants to struggle, and I think it will be possible for us to maintain his freedom," he said.]

"We are going to argue a defense based on the extradition procedure," he said.

The U.S. Justice Department has 60 days to file a written request for Polanski's transfer to Los Angeles. If Polanski opposes extradition, the Swiss legal process can be lengthy because multiple levels of appeals are available, Ballmer said.

The arrest is the latest twist in a legal saga that has captivated and outraged the public since Jimmy Carter was president. In 1977, Polanski -- a household name both for his movies and for the Manson family murder of his then-wife, Sharon Tate -- was arrested at a Beverly Hills hotel and charged with raping and sodomizing a 13-year-old aspiring model. The girl told police the director had plied her with champagne and a piece of a Quaalude during a photo shoot at actor Jack Nicholson's Mulholland Drive home. He then forced himself on her as she begged him to stop.

Polanski reached a deal with prosecutors in which he pleaded guilty to a count of unlawful sex with a minor and prosecutors agreed not to pursue rape, sodomy and other charges. A judge ordered Polanski to spend 42 days in state prison for pre-sentencing "diagnostic testing." Polanski served the time and was released. But on the eve of his sentencing in 1978, he boarded a plane for Europe, never to return to the U.S.

The court issued an arrest warrant that has remained in effect since.

From his home in Paris, Polanski settled a civil suit by the victim, Samantha Geimer, for an unspecified amount, and she publicly forgave him. He continued to direct films in Europe and married Seigner, with whom he has two children.

In 1997, Polanski tried to work out a deal with the district attorney's office to return to L.A.: Authorities would arrest him at the airport and bring him straight to court, where he would be sentenced to time served and immediately released.

That deal fell apart, with Polanski's side saying that he objected to television coverage in the courtroom.

For the next decade, Polanski made no public attempts to resolve the case. He won the Academy Award for best director for 2002's "The Pianist," but was not at the ceremony despite Geimer's call for authorities to permit him to attend.

-- Harriet Ryan

Comments

[Mike]

Why does he think that he's so special that he thinks he's immune from the rules? Sure, there appear to be improprities from his trial, so come back and deal with them. I am amazed at the number of Europeans who say things like "it's a minor mistake", "it's 32 years ago", etc. So what? Amazing.

[Magpie]

He is a child rapes and a fugitive from the law - he needs to come back to serve his time to society. Just because he is rich and popular with the "in crowd", doesn't negate the fact he is a criminal!!!!!!

[L.A. Attorney]

While I certainly don't condone Mr. Polanski's behavior, why now? We can't even afford to keep the courthouses operating fulltime anymore. How much is this going to cost the State of California? I'm sure there are bigger fish to catch and prosecute in local waters. Whose great idea was this?

[L.A. Lawyer]

We can't even afford to keep the courthouses running fulltime. What is this going to cost the State of California? Whose bright idea was this? While I don't condone Mr. Polanski's very bad behavior, we must have bigger fish in our local waters to prosecute because they are a bigger threat to the public safety.

[done and doner]

Oh USA, have you not bigger fish to fry? If the victim does not want Polanski prosecuted, who are you to drag her through more of this? I saw the documentary on Polanski and the corrupt LA Court - clean up the court system and leave the man who was forgiven by his victim alone!

[Cooper]

all the Film Art Freaks aren't going to like this-Hollyweird-Sweden-etc

[Bill James]

what the world admires about America is it's true sense of Justice. What the French minister meant to say is that France never had the guts nor the moral fortitude to bring a pedophile back to face the music.

[dan1138]

What part of "equal justice under law" don't people understand ? I don't care how many movies he's directed or his exalted status in the cultural elite, he has to answer for his crimes, which he admitted to drugging and raping a 13-year old. By this standard we should let off Nazi prison guards because they are old men and their crimes happened long ago.

[Mr. Z]

Enough...The girl was paid money...she took the money and moved on.

This is 100% political now. The crooked DA in LA is running for reelection and this would be a slam dunk for his campaign.

Lets not forget the bribery money paid to this DA by land developers and his wife using city cars and credit cards for personal use either.

This DA should be behind bars...not in front of them IMO.

[Peter Noble]

Again the question is: why now? Polanski didn't just go skiing in Switzerland, he owned a chalet. Who is really benefiting from this?
America is sick but this is one time our need for salacious news be denied. This is not justice but a Cable News perp walk and the DA is no doubt salivating at another big trial.

[Mr.G...]

Throw both PEDOPHILES Polanski and Mahoney in prison for life...
It would be good if they put them on the mainline where someone would put some steel in them but they will be PCd up like the rest of the chesters...

[Alex]

So does this mean LAPD has finished processing the backlog of rape kits?

[John Mendez]

Robert Harris, a British novelist, says "I am shocked that any man of 76, whether distinguished or not, should have been treated in such a fashion." Mr. Harris what is shocking is that any girl of 13, whether distinguished or not, should have been drugged, raped, and sodomized by Polanski!

[Johnny Wang]

Quote
Robert Harris, a British novelist who had worked with Polanski, said in a statement that he believed the arrest was "politically motivated."I am shocked that any man of 76, whether distinguished or not, should have been treated in such a fashion," he said.
Unquote

Would Mr Harris say the same about some old NAZIS being arrested with an age over 85 ? Sorry - I am not a Nazi - but maybe Polanski is also not the innocent sheep...already his role in the Tate case resp. the conflicts he was involved with some serious drug dealing at this time (read Ed Sanders book about this......) doesnt make him look so innocent at all ..........

[larry]

Recent news sounded to me like a plot in a Hollywood movie, the Hunter and the Hunted. Germany hunted an old Nazi guard while Swiss/US goverment hunted a rapist. I think Polanski should have turned himself in a long time ago.

[Brenhin]

Thank God for Switzerland.

[Mike from Oz]

How ironic. The LA Times does not allow persons under 13 years of age to comment on articles, yet there are those who believe that the 13 year old girl seduced Polanski and that the monster should be pardoned for his heinous crimes.

Here's a clue: the reason we don't allow minors to do all sorts of stuff is because they lack the maturity, experience and sufficient strength of character to make rational decisions. That is why minors can't "give consent" and why exploitation of any child is ALWAYS a crime. Children are innocent and are born with an innate tendency to respect and try and please authority figures.
This cowardly child rapist has been running for over 30 years. Now its time to face justice - to show that crimes against children are heinous in the extreme and will always be taken seriously regardless who the perpetrator is.

As for the French and Polish politicians railing against Polanski's "sinister arrest" - the only thing sinister is their support for this criminal. I hope their constituents demonstrate their contempt for these sinister ministers.

[Mike The Bike]

If a priest or other public figure did what he did and then took off, the DA's office would be tormented by the public until justice was done. Why should Polanski be treated any differently?

[Marisa]

This just proves that NOBODY protects children and that NOBODY really cares. Its so sad.

[MdW]

Although I know who Polanski is and what he has been accused of I don't care anything about him or his case. It has no meaning at all to me.

[Roland]

I am not surprised that after 31 years he still has to appear in front of a US court. Since his victim is no longer sueing him, he should be discharged and released. The worst side of this story is why did the Swiss arrest him? Is this a payback after the UBS bank problems in the US? Strange the way they treat a guest who BTW has a residence in Switzerland.

[Alan C. Baird]

OK, it's finally official: Switzerland has become America's new butt-boy. First, Swiss banking privacy was turned into Swiss cheese, and now this. Hopefully, Polanski will be able to clear his record at last...

[rozwadowski]

This a case of judges terrorizing people who refuse to submit to their unlimited powers.

[Brenhin]

Our question as a society needs to be: Is the community at risk? Not: What punnishment equals the victims suffering. The evaluation was rightly done, but apparently they came to a conclusion that history has not bourne out. There is no trail of future victims, in fact he has been a productive member of society. That Roman knew he was about to be judged unjustly and yet consent, is more than can be asked of anyone. The judgement based on community protection seems far too easily grafted onto equalizing pain by prosecutors not to evaluate the algorithm used in determining such risk.

[SFJenn]

Roman Polanski fled from the US in order to avoid being persecuted for rape of a 13 year old girl. He drugged her then raped her. This is not forgivable. Even though he fled to Europe, it doesn't mean he stopped. I think he should own up to what he has done. Just because he is famouse doesn't mean he should be treated any differently.

[Sam]

Yeah, bail makes perfect sense because we all know he has a great record of complying with bail terms and appearing for court.

As foir questioning why he was arrested, i'm going to guess that raping a 13 year old and being a fugitive from justice might be the reason.

I'm puzzled as to why America is sinister or scary but the admitted child rapist is seen as a victim.

It's also wothy noting that the only reason this happening to him in his 70s is that he has been allwed to evade justice for 30 years.

Some, less charitable types, might suggest that the "sinister" folks are the ones who have provided safe haven to a child rapist-- not to mention the rapist.

[Amar Ventris]

Los Angeles has so many more problems than a 76 year old victim of manson's mania. If the victom forgave him and settled, why is LA justice running wild in Europe when the headlines tell anyone who can read we got problems right here?

Now let's watch as la county court people try to find a jury of Polanski peers. how many men of Polanski's talent, directors who have informed the worl dof film and broadened the scope of art, were victimized by the most horrible murderer in history? I know of only one. Polanski.

Since a jury of peers can;t possibly be found, this is another flag waving trick of LA authorities to cover u their real sucking sound: the entire la area.

[eric beneker]

Kind of ironic that you can't comment on this message board if you are under the age of 13.....but you CAN be sodomized by a scumbag hiding in France.....and they call the arrest sinister?.....Nice morality France

[SeanBoy]

I love Polanski's films, but I think he should just settle this matter once and for all even if it involves a little jail time on his part. For all these years that he has been free he has made a mockery of the U.S. justice system. No crime should be "forgiven" if the criminal somehow is able to avoid his punishment long enough.

[Johnny]

I am a fan of this guy's movies. But he was convicted and fled to avoid punishment. Why should he not be treated like everyone else? Age and time are not a factor. Being old and famous should not allow anyone to avoid the law . Look what happened to Madoff! I hope he is returned and punished for doing what he did. Once he has paid his debt to society he will be able to function like any one else. And yes I like his movies !!

[Ashok Patel]

It is sad old wounds are reopened with media salt sprinkled in, pain for both side.Arms of law and justice system are long. Socially he may be released but justice system also needs to say so. for that he must face the bench.

[aa]

looks like the french just proved they are a nation of perverts

[Lamb Cannon]

Good thing we have the brave Los Angeles D.A.'s attention to matters of international importance in the face of "the war on tare" and all that.

Why, I can hear the creepy-in-his-own-right MSNBC troll Chris Hanson now: "please, take a seat, Roman."

This will surely go down in history as one of the great moments of local jurisprudence, right up there with the "prosecutor's" behavior during the O.J. trial (remember her?) and the mistrial of Phil Spector.

After all, the idiots who run L.A. County don't make the money--they just spend it.

[Marko]

I find it humorous that people defending Polanski point out that his victim "forgives" him now... after she was paid off in a settlement in 2003.

Fact is, he violated US law and fled and needs to be brought to justice. Just because he is famous and an asset to the cultural world, does not give him, nor anyone else, a free pass to bypass the rule of law.

[JFD8]

Polanski's offense of morality
Displays a Swiss legal duality:
For him, no escape,
But when bankers rape
Like clockwork, it's time for neutrality.

News Short n' Sweet by JFD8
http://twitter.com/JFD8

[Raul]

did he do the crime? If so he needs to pay. I hate all this bs, good thing in USA stars and politicians still go to jail at times

[Kevin Johnson]

Why now? Polanski owns a house in Switzerland. Sounds like some zealous L.A. prosecutors yet again trying to make a name for themselves. Here is a little tip for you celebrities - move out of California. You all have targets on your backs when in Cali, why have the exposure?

[Frank Thompson]

When the victim says everything is OK,
shouldn't everything be OK? Polanski is
a victim of a severely bungled episode
of U. S. justice and needs to be brought
back to the United States in the same
manner as Charlie Chaplin -- with many
accolades.

[LUXANDRO]

Isn't it amazing? After 32 years pursuing Mr. Polanski, the authorities almost have him in their hands.

Yet, the boy geniuses of Wall Street who have raped and pillaged the American people, are given free reign to continue their obscene activities at full bore!

As usual, the USA leads the way!

[Matthew]

He needs to go to jail and not given a pass. While escaping and running from doing time, he was aloud to make a living, a very, good living. How many other rapists out there were able to do that. And, he one another Oscar, to boot. I have two very, young daughters and, as a father, I want him in jail. I do think it is great that she forgave him, even if, as Marko says, "she was paid off".

[norman ravitch]

All sorts of people have been coming to Polanski's defense, especially Anne Applebaum in the Washington Post. It reminds me of all the people feeling sorry for pedaphile Michael Jackson.

The fact remains, Polanski has for 30 years been a fugitive from justice; nothing in his life's story justifies his crime, he was found in flagrante delicto with a minor female and deserves punishment. He has never expressed the least bit of remorse for his actions. Good for the Swiss!

[moe shirazi]

Roman Polanski raped a 13 year old girl. He gave her drugs and alcohol first, then he had non-consensual sex. As I read this article, it appears to me that some people aresaying rape is ok if the rapist is a famous Polish director and and his victim is a 13 yearold american girl. You are very seriously sick bunch of people! Hope your Wives, daughters, Mothers are not treated the same way. And yes I am shouting, HE RAPED A 13 YEAR OLD - Aand no SHE DIDNT ASK FOR IT - SICKOS!

[Jordy]

French Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand was quoted in French media as saying, "In the same way that there is a generous America that we like, there is also a scary America that has just shown its face."

Exactly. Not all Americans like the new scary America. We have the most evil, vindictive legal system on the planet, and you don't have to be guilty of anything to be ruined.

[Will B. Served]

If this was you or me, we would be on the first plane out of Switzerland heading for LA County Jail to be tried for our crimes. If we were a flight risk, bail would be denied. Nobody would be complaining or making any fuss about John Q. Fugitive. Polanski doesn't deserve any special treatment because of his celebrity.

[bart roberts]

Call these morons and tell them to go after real criminals like John Yoo and Jay Bybee. How about the CEO's of the credit card, banks and insurance companies in Los Angeles that are engaging in criminal activity right now.

District Attorney's Office
County of Los Angeles
210 West Temple Street, Suite 18000
Los Angeles, CA 90012-3210

Telephone (213) 974-3512
Fax (213) 974-1484

TTY (800) 457-7778
(8:30am - 5:00pm M-F)

[Paul Cardinal]

Pedophilia is evidently acceptable if you can skip out of a country after the fact because your loyal idol worshipers think you have suffered enough.

There is really no harm in giving a 13-year-old qualudes & alcohol and then having your way with her when your pretentious fans feel the justice system shouldn't apply to such a gifted artist.

Defenders, your value system sucks!

[Rosco]

What Polanski did in '77 was heinous. He was convicted and perhaps served less time than was necessary for the public to feel that justice was achieved. Imagine if your teenaged daughter were so victimized. One can assume you'd rightly retain the memory of it, so it is reasonable that the state should have a long memory when it comes to crimes that place an individual beyond the pale. Polanski is being reminded that time elapsed and celebrity are no defense.

Whom will it serve however, to have him sentenced, either to further incarceration or to some kind of financial penalty? Will justice be seen to have been achieved at long last or are the state's resources better directed elsewhere? The victim apparently has publicly expressed her desire to have the case dismissed. Moreover Polanski has been subjected to a kind of career exile (he's done alright despite it of course), when he might well have kept his Chinatown burnish as one of Hollywood's most prominent and promising directors, had he been able to work freely in the U.S. I think Polanski might do well to work out a deal akin to the one that fell through; put up with the momentary disapprobation, the negative publicity and the TV cameras and finally put the thing to rest.

[Jessica]

Sorry to all who think Polanski is a cultural icon or asset. This isn't a issue of cultural value--he would win that. This is an issue of law. He broke the law and should therefore go through the legal process necessary. Shame on France and Poland for thinking that it is appropriate and correct to harbor a fugitive of the law!

[rich]

the victim let it go,quit wasting dollars DA of LA

[Jay]

I thought minors had to have a parent present for acting and photo shoots? Where were the girls parents while this was going on?

[Rich Hymns]

"He then forced himself on her as she begged him to stop."? I have never heard this statement before. The information I have read said the the young lady in question supplied the Quaaludes & that Polanski had never taken them before.
Your article implies that he raped her, while the charge is statutory rape, which has to do with being under age only. Her mother brought her to the director & left he alone. The girl , now a grown woman has repeatedly asked for the persecution of Polanski to stop. This article appears impartial but below it's surface seems distinctly inflammatory.

[2 cents]

a (then) 40-something year-old drugs and anally rapes a 13 year-old girl and America is "scary"?

[Jon WEbb]

Look, as I understand it Polanski admitted guilt at the time of the trial. The girl was 13 years old, too young to give consent. There is no exception in the law for her later forgiveness or her previous experience or her moving on after a payoff -- or for Polanski being a victim himself, or a great artist. He should at least face trial and, if he's convicted, he should serve time.

[LUXANDRO]

Congrats to JFD8 whose limerick made my day!

[Jay]

No one is above the law. I hope they don't take his age into consideration when he faces his punishment, just like he didn't when he raped the 13 year old.

[Jodie Lee Klaassen]

Before or after the wife and child were murdered probably with his knowledge or was it to bargain is way out of the child sex incident and make someone else accountable for an even more horrific crime. Shame on the woman who is now a 40 something woman with children of her own to file a motion to dismiss the charges. Does that child know an adult with her own children allow these filthy wealthy exploitive men to do the same or worse to her children?

[baysfchica]

Either he comes back and faces the music, or, the laws here in this country have to change. The laws in this country are archaic and puritanical. The woman involved said forget it; if a woman says forget it, it should be. But esp in CA have draconian laws. No wonder the system is over burdened. But if others have to face the music as long as the laws are what they are, then it is not fair for him to escape punishment while other languish in jail or prison due to lame laws. The puritanical legal system needs to change.

[Tim Stowell]

This action by the LA County district attorney's office sends a clear message: their budget is larger than it needs to be.

[Andy]

You gotta be kidding me. This is 100% political!!!!!!!!. If it was anyone else no one would care and no one would go to such lengths to try to prosecute him. You better spend our tax money on viable threats to our nation.

[kevin]

many are saying he paid his victim and she has forgiven him or he is an old man and we should move on. so rich people can pay off victims and run to france but poor people have to serve their time here in america for being child rapists? the nazi analogies are right on.

[mike kittle]

THIS IS A SIMPLE CASE OF RAPE: Roman pleaded guilty and will have to receive sentencing belatedly, including for flight to avoid prosecution.

The man is a 5'5" sex dwarf who had a history of seducing women, in this case after plying an under age girl with alcohol and drugs.

There is no logical reason why he should escape prosecution because of his celebrity, age, or expressed remorse. Many felons are arrested on an outstanding warrant years after their offense.

Roman is not being persecuted...he was very simply CAUGHT.

[VC (from Canada)]

People please? He is a convicted sex offender. He raped, drugged and sodomized a 13 year old girl. He then asked her not to tell anyone and then took her home and spoke to her mother as if nothing happened. This guy is a bad guy, plain and simple. Am I missing something here? I just can't understand how so many of you think this horrible offense can be condoned simply because you don't like the USA or because 30 years has passed.
He needs to go to jail where he belongs.

[Bobby]

I don't understand why people are coming to Polanski's defense. Should we also forgive all other child molesters and rapists. Mr. Kouchner, more sinister than his arrest is the fact that Polanski drugged and raped a girl that is my daughter's age. Mr. Mitterand, rape of children is one of the ugliest faces around. Shame on both of them for, in essence, condoning rape.

[Nova yos Galen]

I guess the French don't care if their 13-year-old daughters are drugged and sodomized...

[Nathan Harden]

Why do so many people think Polanski should get a free pass? He raped a 13-year-old girl!!!!!! It's a sad commentary on our culture when wealth, talent or fame cause people to excuse a man for such a wretched crime. He should spend the rest of his life in prison. No exceptions.

www.nathanharden.wordpress.com

[Louis]

What a huge waste of tax payer money! I don't advocate absolving Polanski, but with no progress in this case after 31 years, why take up this matter now? It can't be cheap and there are better uses of government money.

[Alain]

The French govrnement seems to think that they can lean on Hillary Clinton who will in turn lean on the California D.A.'s office. They don't understand that it's not "Clinton" or "Bush" or "Obama" that's prosecuting Polanski. That's because in France everything is centralized and leads back up to the president who controls the "parquet" (prosecutors office) and because politicians routinely interfere in judicial affairs, mostly to impede investigations of their wrongdoings or to put in a good word for personal protégés. The European Court for Human Rights recently ruled that the French judiciary was not independent and did not conform to European norms. This is not France. Polanski should be held to account for his actions.

[Louis]

The LA Times should report on what the costs are for pursuing Polanski in Switzerland and compare those costs to more immediate problems that could be addressed.

I'm pretty sure we're talking hundreds of thousands of dollars in a pursuit that will ultimately cost millions. We could put away a lot of bad guys in Caliofrnia today with the same money used for cops, prosecutors and jails.

[Cooley]

What a waste of money. I won't be voting for this DA again.

[darrin]

Not suggesting that what he did wasn't terrible. But it's 30 years old and this entire story stinks of Political shuffling. I don't think the DAs office really cares about "bringing this guy to justice". C'mon. It's motivated by elections and need for more power.

Leave the guy alone. Figure out how to pay the bills (CA is still issuing IOUs, yes?) and come up with some better fish to fry.

This is ridiculous.

[Thomas]

What is "scary" about America, in the mind of the urbane French culture minister, is that a member of his tribe doesn't get the special treatment aristocracy is supposed to have. Polanski's being treated just the same as any other loser who shagged a 13-year-old. Quelle horreur!

[vinman]

I read Patrick Goldstein's column regarding this matter and he is giving way too much deference to Mr. Polanski because of his artistic accomplishments.

If we allow this to go unchecked it would only support the notion that sytem of justice will only mete out punishment to those who can not afford a high profile attorney or do not have enough money to flee the country and avoid prosecution.

Any other citizen would have been in jail from the time the charges were filed throught the trial and into the actual sentence. I guess not if you're rich.

[jack]

he is a rapist, a sodomizer and a pedophile. it scares me that europe clearly tolerates this behavior, especially from a wanted fugitive.

[Kiddie rapo hater]

Hey Libs... Give Polanski a "politically correct" pass out of jail because 1) he's a famous movie director and 2) the crime happened 31 years ago. Garrido did his thing 18 years ago so he should walk too. Raping 13 year olds is OK with the Liberal Establishment. Change We Can Believe In!

[SomebodyFromSwitzerland]

I hope that the prosecution of Los Angeles is tough. Although the case is about 30 years ago, he should be punished. Forgetting is not acceptable option. Thus, it seems, he is a child molester! Schuldig!

[Will B. Served]

He should receive the same treatment as any other skel, short-eyes, convicted child rapist. Contributions to society can be taken into account during sentencing, but they in no way excuse the offense. The outcome of the civil matter should not affect the criminal matter, either. They are separate. The civil lawsuit sought relief for, and perhaps compensated, the VICTIM. But the criminal prosecution seeks to punish lawbreakers, and serves to insure justice and protect all society.

[Ryan D]

We really need to be spending our money (what little of it) in other areas.
Does Polanski deserve to be punished? Yes, but this price it too high.

[Jennifer]

I have a sense that the Swiss police authorities and judicial system are using this occasion to "get back at" our Federal government for prosecuting the Swiss banks with offices in the U.S.A.

Though I don't know all the details, the Federal prosecution of the Swiss banks has something to do with their refusal to disclose the names of Americans who have Swiss bank accounts. Apparently, the Swiss banks were forced to acquiesce and disclose the names to the IRS, thereby destroying the Swiss banks' worldwide customers' confidence in the secrecy of the Swiss banking system. It has been reported that the Swiss economy is very dependent upon those banks continuing to operate without being arm-twisted by foreign governments, and that the Swiss government is very angry with our Federal government about that case and its effects on the Swiss economy.

As a result, when the dust settles, I think we will learn that Polanski's arrest has far more to do with the Swiss wanting to make American's legal system look bad, than the Federal or California government wanting to extradite Polanski.

[Jay McTyier]

I wonder: was novelist Robert Harris "shocked" when John Demjanjuk was taken into custody by US authorities and then deported to Germany for things he did over thirty years ago? After all he was over 76, distinguished or not, based on your point of view. Under the rule Harris wants to apply to Polanski, Demjanjuk should have been treated with more decorum and forgiveness. He was not because he matured into a working class, faceless retiree in the Midwest, not a darling of the artfilm world.

As for Europeans looking to take a piece of the multi-millon dollar US movie and entertainment market, beware. However anachronistic you think our laws and the application thereof may be, they are still the laws of the land in which you ply your trade. Dismiss and marginalize them at your peril, if you want to play and profit in our arena.

[Ian]

Polanski PLEAD GUILTY. He was INCARCERATED for 40 days evaluation. The DA agreed to a PLEA BARGAIN, then RENEGED. Judicial MISCONDUCT was disclosed . The victim received a SETTLEMENT. The case is over THIRTY years old. Holier-than-thou TABLOID ADDICTS get off your high horse!

[Kevin]

Justice is supposed to look "scary" to the allies of child rapists. I have renewed respect for Switzerland. As for France and Poland, their reaction is disgusting.

[Vincent Lowe]

...the LA District Attorney's office should tend to its current and relevant caseload. There are numerous cases pending TODAY that involve crimes against young people that are not being handled. A show trial involving a celebrity may be sensational and carry a lot of political opportunity -- but it doesn't serve the citizens of LA county who look to this office for help now.

[kevin johnson]

Yes, celebrities are better than the average person - kobe byant.

[patrick s.]

How many complaints of rape (adult or child) are turned down for prosecution by this maggot D.A. due to a perceived weakness in the case? I'd guess most of them! Polanski's victim no longer wants anything to do with this and neither do most of the "people", which only goes to show that the D.A. doesn't represent himself, only his political ambitions. This is one office that needs a revolving door to keep these idiots straight and focused on the job at hand - protecting the public - which they almost never do. How many rapists get out of prison or are offered plea deals? MANY! SICKENING!

Patrtick, Esq.

[Karl]

I suppose that, having written this well balanced article in the LA Times, peope in California are well aware of the image damage & repercussions that are to be expected throughout Europe because of Polanski's arrest. One may quite justifiable argue that the pursuit of justice cannot depend on any public relations issue or political will, but then many anecdotes in the recent US history --- from the integration of NAZI scientists in highest positions to waging wars without legal cause --- makes one wonder if this really is the case. Give Polanski a break, and thereby save us from a transatlantic controvery nobody wants!

Best regards from Vienna,
Karl

[Iconoclasher]

Unless you're a clinical psychologist, you have no business calling Mr. Polanski a "pedophile". He doesn't even meet the minimum definition of what a true pedophile is. Secondly, there is a 20 year statute of limitations on this. For some stupid reason, because he moved out of america, that nullifies that statute. Thirdly, I see a lot of envy and projection with Mr. Polanski's critics. This thing is old, the victim doesn't need this and I really do think the u.s.a. has better things to do. The Ugly american has certainly shown the world how sinister and repressed we are.

[French]

VIVE LA FRANCE!!!!!!

[Tim Adams]

I'm not an attorney and don't fully understand the legal issues, but am guessing that behind the scenes motives may look something like this:

In Switzerland, he can be extradited. The DA knows it. Polanski knows it too.

He goes to Switzerland anyway ... essentially, daring the DA to do anything.

The DA now has two choices:

(1) Turn the other cheek, let Polanski get away with it and perhaps broadcast an international message of feebleness about what it can and can't do.

(2) Call the dare, go out on a limb and hope that The Spin can be managed to break in their favor.

My sympathies are with the DA. Yes, it was a long time ago. Yes, the victim has (for money) accepted Polanski's apology. But in a choice between a civil servant struggling to do a difficult job and a celeb who drugged and raped a junior high school student, I'm standing with the civil servant. In his perhaps occasionally inept way, he's trying to maintain structure and safety in what's left of society. Polanski has never done that.

[stephen onwen]

This is typical liberal Europe. Protect the criminals. France is upset with us? They're the ones who protected this criminal for upwards of 30 years. Yet, they are upset with the US? Come on, who is really in the wrong here, not the US that's for sure. Yeah, lets release him on bail, so he can flee to France for their absurd protection of a pedophile. That makes sense.

[Richard]

Why are people saying he committed the crime? No jury has yet convicted him right?
Maybe the childs parents should be held to some account for allowing their 'child' to go to a house alone with men?
I also think that those complaining about bringing him in now for the case are dumb as the Jews to this day still hunt down Nazi's. I say move on and save the money for some modern cases as I hear the DA is a snake money grubber anyways.

[Concerned]

For everyone coming to the defense of Mr. Polanski, let me ask one thing. What would you want done if your 13 year old daughter was drugged and sodomized? Would you demand justice and wait, forever if necessary, or would time assuage your anger?

[Emile Zola]

I wonder why the paper censors free speech, worried more about the bottom line than the truth and as Jack Nicholson put it: The paper, media, America "Can't handle the truth."
Justice is not a switch that you turn on and off as the circumstances warranted, no siree; it is supposed to be blind and as such, it's supposed to be enforced, regardless.
If America worries so much about a "purported rape" that happened 30 years ago, why not show a tad of outrage for the Constitution being raped, violated every day by "looking forward". What is a 13 old girl doing alone in Polanski's mansion? Aren't the parents just as guilty? In my book, they are guilty as sin. American hypocrisy is appalling. It worries more about a, so called, "rape" and worry nothing about the Constitution. Go figure!

[Brian]

hard to see what's the big deal here:

1. Samantha Geimer forgave him (and settled for an undisclosed sum of money).
2. The DA in 1997 agreed to forgo punishment.

the main parts of his debt to the victim and to society seem paid and it looks as if nothing is gained from any new charges. (Or inferring from the DA's actions, no public interest is served over an event over 30 years ago).

If Polanski is not extradicted, I'm not convinced this shows that the state isn't concerned about child welfare. again, the victim forgave and sought damages in private court (so much for the debt to the victim). The DA wanted to essentially dismiss sentencing (so much for the debt to society). Now, if one wanted to say that this case made children more vulnerable you'd have to show that Polanski would commit this crime again or that copy cats would follow his lead. Neither of these claims seems remotely plausible.

I also wouldn't make comparisons to the Nazis. There are lots of obvious reasons why (here's one: isn't genocide different and worse than, unlawful sex with a minor?). Besides, this is a case in which the parties have moved on and no moral bond between them persists. I don't think you can say that about the Jews and Nazi's (once you figure out which sides remain living and whether any of the living Nazi's did anything to any of the living Jews).

[Woody Allen]

It is nice to know that i can rape little children and have a safe haven to go to..THANKS FRANCE!!

[Anna]

Polanski did face a judge and did admit guilt, and he did submit to an agreement with the victim's family under the supervision of the judge. The judge had a change of mind at the last minute, decided not to honor the agreement, and wanted to sentence Polanski to 50 years in prison. The victim and her family tried to get the judge to reconsider, and to this day she doesn't agree with that judge's change of mind. She is no longer a 13 year old girl, but a woman in her forties who maintains the same point of view on the matter. Putting Polanski on trial will require the victim to take the stand again, which she clearly does not want to do.

Comparing Polanski with Nazi runaways is outrageous, especially considering his childhood. Perhaps his childhood as a Holocaust victim should be taken in to account, and we should understand him as someone who was also abused and traumatized as a child. That doesn't exempt him from responsibility for his actions, but it could go a long way to explain his involvement with a thirteen year old. Not to mention the horror of losing his pregnant wife to a killing spree that shocked the entire world. I don't feel sorry for Roman Polanski, but I understand him as the product of a lot of violence and bloodshed. That doesn't make him a sociopath, but a candidate for psychological treatment. He's hardly the dangerous monster the mobs want to hunt down and submit to "justice."

By the way, his offense is forgivable. One of the saving graces of any justice system is the notion that one pays their dues to society through contrition, paying fines, and/or serving time. Murderers have been forgiven, as have rapists, white collar robbers, etc...

[Polanski loves young young girls!]

To every sicko defending Polanski or claiming it is all politics - Please allow yourself to be anally violated. After your anus stops bleeding, please re-comment to everyone the board about how un-fair it would be to your rapist for him/her to spend time in jail.

Roman Polanski raped a 13 year old girl. She was a virgin at the time of the rape. A 13 year old girl is usually in 7th grade. Roman Polanski gave a 13 year old girl drugs and booze then had non-consensual sex with her. What is there to understand? If you defend him, is it ok for any famous person to rape your 7th grader, be it a boy or girl. Is 6th grade ok with you? How about Kindergarten? Is it ok if your 13 year old daughter is raped if the pervert escapes the country for 30 years?

[Paul]

It would appear everyone wants Polanski released based on his notoriety. It's a shame everyone seems to be forgetting the man raped and drugged a 13 year old girl and then fled this country to avoid jail time. It doesn't matter how long ago it happened. The fact is, it happened, he pled guilty to it, and he fled this country to avoid the processes of the court. Now they're talking about bail? You've got to be kidding me. This man already proved he's a flight risk. Unbelievable!

[Daryl]

To the LA Lawyer or Attorney, or whatever you are, your comments are idiotic. Sounds like a typical response from your kind. No wonder people loathe your profession. No matter how you want to spin it, he raped a girl, period. Tell ya what, if it was my child, I would have found him in France long ago, and metted out my own kind of justice. With any luck, his attorney would be by his side. How does that go, two birds with one stone.

[John]

Why in the world would the DA want to spend such a considerable amount of time and money on this, especially when the city is facing such a severe economic crisis?

Is somebody running for re-election in 2010? What a crock!

[Sandy]

This is a ridiculous and stupid waste. Nobody anywhere is the least bit safer because of this arrest. The DA clearly has too much time and money on his hands.