Roman Polanski's victim asks court to drop charge against director

The victim of Roman Polanski’s 1977 sex charge has asked an appellate court to drop the charge against the film director, saying the unceasing publicity has disrupted her family, job and health.

Since the director’s arrest last month, Samantha Geimer and her attorney have received close to 500 phone calls from media as far as Germany, Israel and Japan, attorney Lawrence Silver wrote in a statement filed Friday.

Larry King and Oprah have beckoned, and photographers have been camped outside her Hawaii home, trying to take photos or video through holes drilled in their cars and offering gifts to her children in exchange for information, Silver wrote.

“This statement makes one more demand, one more request, one more plea: Leave her alone,” Silver wrote in the filing.

Silver said the renewed media attention following Polanski’s arrest in Switzerland and the pending extradition case has caused “health-related issues” and interfered with Geimer’s job, leading to “understandable displeasure of her employer and the real possibility that Samantha could lose her job.”

He said the “lack of sensitivity” would make it less likely that other victims of celebrity crimes would come forward.

The appellate court is reviewing an L.A. Superior Court ruling that Polanski’s case cannot be thrown out on grounds of judicial and prosecutorial misconduct while the director remains a fugitive. The Los Angeles County District Attorney has maintained that Polanski has no legal standing.

Geimer, now 46, was 13 at the time of the 1977 criminal case when she told police and a grand jury that Polanski gave her a Quaalude and champagne and raped her during a photo shoot. Her attorneys at the time supported a plea deal, saying it was in the victim’s interest, and Polanski pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

He fled to France, where he is a citizen. In 1993, Polanski settled a civil suit with Geimer and agreed to pay her at least $500,000. It is not known whether the director has paid the sum.

-- Victoria Kim

Photo: Roman Polanski. Credit: Los Angeles Times archive.

More breaking news in L.A. Now:

Psychiatrists prescribed excessive amounts of drugs to Anna Nicole Smith, expert testifies

'Crash' director cuts ties with Scientology, citing church's gay marriage stand

High school classmates probed in burglaries of young Hollywood celebrities

Metro Gold Line Eastside extension to open Nov. 15

Wrong-way driver in Anaheim could face drunk-driving charges, authorities say

Cooler temperatures, high winds coming to Southern California

Huge crowds turning out for swine flu vaccine

New sightings reported of Mitrice Richardson, woman missing from Malibu sheriff's station

Doctor who joined the Navy after his son's death in Iraq returns from deployment

'Avatar' director James Cameron plans to stay and fight next Malibu brush fire

Man shot dead in unincorporated Whittier

Comments

[michelle]

Well this is no longer about Samantha Geimer. Victims don't dictate the justice system. The law is the law. If she didn't want Polanski to be punished maybe she shouldn't have reported the crime in the 70's. Interesting how she thought of herself as a victim then and wanted Polanski to go to jail but now she doesn't. Polanski is a pedophile and deserves punishment. When crimes like rape are committed it is a crime against humanity, not just one person.

[Jennifer Bland]

I completely understand the annoyance.

But think of the people in prison that are innocent that are being exonerated daily - and how that disrupts their lives, their family - and children.

*See: The Innocent Project
*For Reference: Look at all the movies and media made the Sharon Tate and her friends, and a guest of the caretaker - the books - the media - know one even knows for sure who killed these people - you have no proof - same way with the Diane Downs case, that "she" shot her kids, I am so sure, those people have sat in prison for 25-40 years - innocent, and they have sister no Hawiian Home, face the facts, face the reality, face the truths, get it over with once and for all, *their is where you will find peace - must be an honor to get such calls of the media - your story is a fairy tale, compaired to innoncent people in prison. If he did it, then face up the truth of it, and what he did, tell people, to help other people, and victims and their families, you are doing yourself and your family - etc. worse harm in "hiding" than to put this man on the stand, he has run from law enforcement too long, and it is time to stand as a woman for woman's rights, and to believe in yourself, and put this man where it is he truely belongs, and let the people (jury), the courts (judges) make the decisions, that's the hard part!

Jennifer J. Bland
Arkansas
*Clergy*

[Taggart]

I'm tired of hearing about this. It's nice that Polanski's victim can forgive and forget, but whether he is prosecuted is not her decision.

[Richard Ivey]

Samantha Geimer is apparently one of the few calm people in a sea of shill voices, all attempting to take advantage of the Polanski event. Interesting how the "age of consent" issue remains unexamined.

[Whatstherealnews]

I would suggest she come to grips with her role in history and not further victimize others.

[Nova yos Galen]

The issue is two-fold: 1) he needs to have a penalty for his actions, and 2) he needs to be returned to the U.S. after having fled the jurisdiction. I'm glad the victim has forgiven him; it it is first step in her own recovery. However, he has a debt to pay to society that he has avoided for 30 years. It's too bad he wasn't brave enough to face it then. Now he has to face possible jail time when most men his age are retired grandfathers. What a pity for all concerned.

[Hello?]

No one ever said victims of rape live a sane life and know how to deal with their issues all the time. I feel for Samantha Geimer, she sounds like she needs help to truly understand and grasp what Polanski has done to her and what Polanski is now doing to the world.

Geimer has a right to want closure for herself. Polanski's closure however, is none of her business. He must face his own situation, which HE created, regardless of whether or not she feels she has a say in it, which she does not.

[Jazzmo]

Great. The child molester pays off the victim and he's supposed to walk now?

How about a little time in the can for Big Roman so he can experience a little "rape-rape" for himself? Afterall, it's "not like he's a virgin or anything".

I'm guessing we would have 100% concurrence from all the mothers and fathers of 13 year old daughters out there for that sentence!

[Robbie]

It is regrettable that the victim has come out in support of her perpetrator
due to "illness and stress" brought on by the press...

I would suggest the victim be informed her rights are being protected and compensated? ... The press can be used to see how this lady is still
a victim, most likely being pressured by Polanski's lawyers.

It is obvious she ran in to hiding years ago, and needs counseling by rape counselors. She owes no one an explanation, her behavior perhaps indicates shame/guilt while supporting her perpetrator.

Roman Polanski's crime is against the American Government for fleeing the courts, not for rape which he already has been charged.

Nothing will change until this man is brought to Justice, my sympathy goes
out to her and her mother who never needed to take on the guilt for allowing her daughter to be photographed by a prestigious magazine called Vogue.
That indeed was victimized as well.

[Bob in Santa Monica]

If she's going to keep speaking on Polanski's behalf, she should disclose the settlement agreement, and talk about that. As long as she's allowing herself to be used as an advocate for her rapist, the media have every reason to want to question here.

It would be nice if the media were sensible in their approach, and maybe followed up a little on some outstanding questions, like: Is Polanski going to be prosecuted for fleeing? Maybe the LA Times could get us some info on that?

[no more mercy for polanski]

I'm sorry for the victim -- far more than Polanski and all the polanski child-rapist apologists have ever been -- a just society simply can't always go by situations like this -- victims are often harassed by others to drop the charges. Victims are often brainwashed by their abusers and by society.

The court and the prosecutor should not relent. polanski is a child rapist and should FINALLY be held to account.

throw the book at the pedophile rapist!

[Victoria]

Clearly the memories of the rape are returning, which is causing the victim distress.

But Polanski can not get aways with skipping out of the country. For the sake of other criminals, he must be brought back to this country and face the music.

[Victoria]

Clearly the memories of the rape are returning, which is causing the victim distress.

But Polanski can not get aways with skipping out of the country. For the sake of other criminals, he must be brought back to this country and face the music.

[Robert NO longer in LA]

Can you say....BOUGHT OFF?

[2 cents]

drop the case? - he's already convicted - this is just about the sentence now

[gabbers]

I think the victim needs to remember that the person who has caused all this turmoil in her life and continues to do so is not the courts but Polanski himself. First for committing the crime, secondly for running away and writing a book about how he did nothign wrong, and thirdly - by continuing to claim that he's the victim. Ms. Geimer should realize that no one is responsible for the trauma caused in her life but Polanski. He is the only one who can subside it - by taking responsibility and facing up to his long awaited penalty. In fact - he won't ever get a long enough sentence as long as I'm concerned - he's a pedophile...we should sentence him like one.

[Heather]

I realize this is a difficult situation, but I believe Ms. Geimer would do better to stand by so many other victims who have never gotten justice. She was fortunate to have people who supported her when she reported this crime, something many never had. As for discouraging crime victims from reporting, it seems to me that it would discourage victims a lot more to know that a wealthy perpetrator could avoid punishment by jumping bail.

[Alison]

Recently, a New York State assemblyman was on trial for hitting his girlfriend with a piece of glass and pushing and shoving her. The girlfriend did not want to press charges and did not want to testify- though she did, reluctantly. She's still with the assemblyman, who was found guilty and will most likely be kicked out of the legislature.

I wonder if Polanski's victim still feels some ties to Polanski? I wonder if she has truly ever dealt with what he's done? Does she realize she's doing a disservice to victims everywhere?

Finally, in the past she's given so many media interviews in the past- to television, and to People magazine.

[Evan]

It doesn't matter what the victim says. Honestly, it doesn't ... and it shouldn't.

In our society, crimes like rape, child molestation, domestic violence, etc, aren't just crimes against the victim ... and it's not the victim who's pressing charges. They're crimes against the People and it's the State that presses charges. This is because even with the accused in custody, there is a power imbalance, and the accused holds power, whether intended or not, over the victim. So, here we have the victim asking that charges be dropped because she is being intimidated, etc.

This is little different than a battered wife begging the police not to arrest her abuser. This is why our justice system is based on laws and not, 'Gee, what do you want to do, hun?' Because someone needs to look out for victims (past, present and future) ... and that person is the Government.

The real tragedy here is that the victim has been, and is being, victimized again and again by people who apologize for a child molester and fugitive from justice because they apparently think artists are allowed to be criminally eccentric ... and because it wasn't their daughter.

[bkl]

This is just another crime that Roman Polanski committed against her. If he had served his time years ago when she was a child, she would not be the subject of interest today. The case is "The People vs R. Polanski" since his offense was against the laws of the state; it is not for her to decide whether it should be dismissed.

[Hairy Carrion]

Clearly this whole fiasco is a huge distraction for the LA Times, the DA and the public.

WE are the ones who continually victimize this victim. It's the public and the system with it's pornographic obsession with Roman Polanski and Ms. Geimer.

IF we are to examine the case over and over and over again like children learning to masturbate for the first time, then we MUST reexamine the legal misconduct of the judge as well.

Now can we all get on to more important things? Please. Like the wars, the economy, real sexual assault victims, etc.

[FRANK]

Part of the contract that she signed must specify that she has to drop the charges.

Why does she need a job? 500K is a lot of dough.

[BobbyG]

Geimer vs. Polanski is over. California vs. Polanksi is not. Justice demands that the latter case be completed. Some things in life are in fact simple.

[Chuck]

She's backed the guy a lot. More than the vast majority of rape victims would. Its good to see forgiveness, it really is. But I just wonder if her payout deal included a "speak well of the opposition" clause. Sometime settlements require the parties to but a good face on things and to whitewash whatever happened before. She has definitely been quick to say she doesn't want him prosecuted whenever the subject came up. You'd think she would just be neutral on the subject now that she is personally out of it.

[kate]

Where is your PERSPECTIVE, people?! It's been THIRTY-THREE years .. has this man been even ACCUSED of any sort of sex crime since 19frickin76? He has NOT. And if you think he hasn't been punished, where have you been in reading about his life? He has never been able to come back home. Since when is banishment not a harsh punishment? Add to this that the victim of this crime, whom you all are so up in arms about bringing justice, is BEGGING to be left in peace. My question, to all of you stone-throwers, is who do you think YOU are?

Honestly!

[Jazzmo]

The boys out at Chino are waiting for you, Big Roman!

[billK]

What a great idea! Lets let all the victims of rapists decide what the proper punishment should be. Some rapists will be forgiven. But a lot of others will not, and they'll be walking around a little lighter after their punishment. No repeat offenders then...

[Tom]

I wonder if she is getting paid to "forgive" him. If Polanski name was John Doe would he go to jail HELL YEA If justice is equal what happens to the poor happens to the rich

[Nils]

Polanski needs to be prosecuted for his rape , yes RAPE of a 13 year old girl . The media that is camped outside and making this womans life hell , including the self appointed matron Oprah , and that purveyor of all things newsworthy (do me a favor -as sad and pathetic as Fox these days ) CNN and drooling buffoon KING , should be given a good ole fashioned shotgun with buckshot / hound dog treatment . Oh i forgot they have to keep us up to date with any piece of triviality these days ....thats their excuse .
As usual , the reality is lost in the drivel and banality that the world has been fed as important . There used to be a legal case here ......didn't there ?

[JayJay]

"In 1993, Polanski settled a civil suit with Geimer and agreed to pay her at least $500,000. It is not known whether the director has paid the sum."

This last sentence should never have appeared. The writer should have asked and reported the answer of the victim or her lawyer.

Then, the reporter should have asked if Polanski is offering her more money now to speak on his behalf.

We already know that the victim, as an adult, was bought off. Has she returned to the well?

[Johnsy]

Amazing, finally, some common sense in this whole sordid (pardon the expression) affair. (I know, I know, it was not an affair.) Don't we have better things to be uncommonly consumed with than this? Apparently not, what with all the indignation evident here about someone who doesn't really care any more and just wants to move on with her life, as everybody else should let her, and should do themselves.

[infinite loopiness]

Interesting how nearly all comments say to hell with the victim, we want him burned at the stake.

Thank heavens for Justice.

Which is, evidently, a power-hungry monster that cares only to satisfy the worst, most bestial instincts of the populace.

There was reason Jonathan Swift gave the world the concept of the Yahoo. Feel free to read up some time, or renew your acquaintance, if you need reminding of what humans, for all their 'noble' claims and self-absorption, really are.

Or look in the mirror.

What Polanski did was wrong, indefensible, unforgivable, and obscene.

Callous indifference in which hypocritical claims of the need for 'Justice' prefer vengeance masquerading as justice over any other consideration and prefer to see the victim infinitely revisit the past (in the name of 'education', of course), thus to be repeatedly raped for the benefit of public hypocrisy, voyeurism, and general self-righteous entertainment, mange to out-rape Polanski.

Which is quite an accomplishment.

I hope you're all proud of yourselves and your degenerate, hypocritical posturing, your crying for vengeance and bloodlust let-the-victim-be-damned.

[kevin john]

LA Superior Court is playing with fire! What good can come from refusing the victims wishes? Is the Court just telling us they are truly corrupt and vindictive? This whole case is going to be a circus, I think time and efforts would be better spent on putting rapists actually living in L.A. in jail. I would much rather have a whole bunch of perverts behind bars instead of one orphaned, European, holocausts survivor, that had his wife chopped up pervert behind bars.

[JanPB]

I see most posters here have made up their minds and Samantha's words mean nothing to them. Anything that does not fit your ideas is "she sounds like she needs help" [the gall!] Also, please get your facts straight. Polanski is not a pedophile. If you don't know the difference, you shouldn't post.

[charlie]

FREE ROMAN POLANSKI

[karaokeman]

Geimer should be asking for a restraining order against the media instead of asking for a dismissal. While certainly relevant and heartfelt, Polanski's extradition isn't about the comfort and health of a 46 year old woman. That's between her and the hounding media, some of whom as defenders of Polanski are no doubt going out of their way to intimidate her into wanting a dismissal. Her personal case was judicially "settled" when Polanski pleaded guilty.

Besides, for all any of us knows, she may be getting pressured from Polanski and/or his lawyers to support him in return for receiving the 15 year overdue payment for her civil suit against him. I'm not too clear on this, but last I read Polanski had agreed in '93 to pay Geimer $500,000 but nobody seemed clear on whether or not he had actually paid her or not. If the money is still in play it could be part of her current "pressures". I'm not sure I buy the "bad for my employment" angle when she could easily sell her story overnight to retire on, never mind the reparations from Polanski if they are indeed still forthcoming.

But the fact remains that Polanski violated a 13 year old girl and that's what the extradition and his sentencing is about. He's already admitted to the crime. Dismissing the case now will do an enormous disservice to all young girls now, then, and to come, who must find the courage against enormously powerful social forces to condemn their attackers. It will also embolden other men who believe young girls can and should be exploited for their own pleasure and vices.

I feel for Geimer, and believe the media should be restrained in this case. Her testimony as a 13 year old should be fodder enough for their needs. But Geimer, the media and the rest of us should all be thinking about how this will set precedents for young girls for a long, long time to come. I applaud her courage then. She needs to find the same courage now to help other "troublemakers" find the justice and social support they still desperately need and deserve, especially when Hollywood celebrities, coming out in numbers and by name to support a self-admitted rapist and proud fugitive, are doing all they can to win child-sex rights for their elite "moral compass".

[S Naille]

AN EYE FOR AN EYE, A RAPE FOR A RAPE, IN '78,
SANTA MONICA COURTHOUSE

The current Los Angeles DA Steve Cooley has forgotten the reason the plea bargain arrangement was struck 32 years ago by the victim’s lawyer Laurence Silver, the prosecutor Roger Gunson, and Polanski’s lawyer Douglas Dalton, which was to avoid a trial and avoid further humiliation of the victim and her family through media coverage.

Roman Polanski has been forgiven by the victim a long time ago, but not by the Los Angeles DA Steve Cooley. And certain Swiss took the opportunity to capitalized on Roman Polanski in the most sordid and dégoûtant manner using a film festival to arrest him where he was about to be honored for his life’s work in film.

Roman Polanski, a Frenchman, is being used as a scapegoat for America’s Judicial sins, and is currently being used to entertain the masses along with the alleged victim, through his predicament, and her predicament in having to live the whole thing over again 32 years later.

Has Los Angeles entered the Twilight Zone?

What is not being discussed in any length is that Santa Monica Judge Laurence J. Rittenband (deceased), is guilty of metaphorically raping Roman Polanski and discriminating against him and not treating him like everyone else in California since he is not and was not an American Citizen in 1978.

The Santa Monica Courthouse Judge was able to wield leverage over Roman Polanski if Polanski did not agree to give up his legal rights to fight deportation which Judge Laurence J. Rittenband was demanding. What Judge Rittenband was doing in coercing Polanski to agree to deportation is illegal.

Polanski if he had stayed in America- would have faced a never ending prison term from this Judge which would continue - until Polanski agreed to be deported.

This is how Judge Rittenband was able to (metaphorically) rape Roman Polanski, and put Polanski between a rock and a hard place– Judge Laurence J. Rittenband used illegal leverage on Polanski to eviscerate Polanski's legal rights, and erase his choice to dispute deportation.

When there is no choice, and only force, then either a rape or a metaphoric rape occurs!!!!!! Judge Rittenband raped Polanski by taking away his right and his choice to fight deportation.

Bottom Line - Two Rapes don’t make a right, and Los Angeles is also raping the original victim and her family now, and re-victimizing her - in continuing this Roman spectacle when she doesn’t want any part of it.

[Nancy]

The victim has admitted that she has been paid. For her, this case is closed. Her lawyer should inform her that this is not her case, that it's the State vs. Polanski.

Who knows, perhaps a condition of the settlement is for her to request to the STATE to drop the case?

[Nancy]

The victim has admitted that she has been paid. For her, this case is closed. Her lawyer should inform her that this is not her case, that it's the State vs. Polanski.

Who knows, perhaps a condition of the settlement is for her to request to the STATE to drop the case?

[Austin]

there the lynch mob again...you'll only show how insensitive you'll are and then just before this it was all about sympathy for the victim now thats she's askin to be left alone you guys are in arms again.Says more about you than your sense for justice to be carried out.Ah the lynch mob of the U.S...and so much arrogance ....how apt when u talk about the Gun & the bible country

[Ruben]

As if the people care about the victim. All they want is to lynch someone famous so they can fill their boring and shitty lives.

With all the moral postures, nobody really cares about the children of Samantha. They would rather traumatize them than interrupt this idiotic show of a legal process.

[Dave Crawford]

what about the statute of limitations?

[TheBigPicture]

She sounds like your typical acquaintance rape victim...Predator rapist seek out simple minded victims to commit their crimes...I feel sorry for her..., she's probably been going through hell since this occurred 30 years ago...

Her part in all this is over until he comes up for a parole hearing...she can make a statement of forgiveness then.

He's been convicted of a serious crime and committed another serious crime when he fled the country...The fact is, he will probably die in prison...GOOD RIDDANCE...

[PT1]

Actually, victims DO dictate our justice system. If a victim declines to testify or asks for charges to be dropped, that has a huge impact on whether the accused is prosecuted or punished at all.

Unfortuantely, this case was all about the judge and media, disregarding the victim from the get-go. In their desire to apply the harshest penalty on Polanski (despite a plea deal for much lesser charges) the system violated the victim over and over again.

Let's not forget that this is an individual's crime against a girl, not "humanity." Imposing one's broader agenda on a specific crime and demanding punishment regardless of one girl's wishes is how this case got so botched to begin with.

[Vero]

Yeah let's send the message that it's ok to rape young girls as long as you're famous and have the backing of other celebrities. Sorry Geimer, the law is the law. Polanski should be held accountable. Ask the parents of the 15-year-old girl in Richmond that was gang raped this past weekend what they think.

[Joanna]

Gore Vidal wrote that Polanski is a victim of anti-semitism. I did not know that jews are allowed to have sex with s 13 year old girl. Good for them, is this for jews through birth or any pervert can convert to judaism and have sex with littel girls? What a sick sociaty!!!!

[morgan]

This lady sought the media exposure.
She also sought, and received a $500.000 settlement.
Now she wants society to forget the crime.
Has she received more cash from Polanski?
She seems to love mentioning the likes of Larry King...

[sara]

The victim in this case should have no say. Sex offenses are crimes against humanity, not just one person. She may have forgiven him but what about the possibility that their are other Polanski victims that haven't come forward? Possible future victims? Just because he hasn't been caught since doesn't mean he hasn't or won't do it again. He may be in his 70's but 80 year olds have been convicted of sexual abuse.

I also find it interesting that she claims all this media exposure is harming her health. She wasn't concerned about all this "media exposure" when she attended the premiere of "Roman Polanski: Wanted & Desired" or when she sued him for $$$, or when she appeared on Larry King. Her appearance on shows, at the movie, and by filing a lawsuit brought more attention to her than the story itself. If she never wanted Polanski to go to jail (and she said her mother didn't either), then why tell the Police about the rape?

She's a very confused individual. She appears very self centered based on court transcripts and the Larry King appearance. She may not have a problem with a grown man having sex with a child but American's have a problem with it and it is AGAINST THE LAW. So as far as I'm concerned, Samantha has no say.

[Katie Rutten]

Looks like a little hope in all this mess for the victims Samantha Geimer and Roman Polanski. As of Nov 2nd 2009 - oral argument in the Appeal Court to see why the lower superior court cannot make a decision to dismiss Polanski's case or not.

A small step in the right direction.

But this won't assist him to be out of the Swiss Jail before Christmas?

[Karl]

Why do not the DAs go after Kobe Bryant, Ben R., the Duke 3 (oh he did, and then the victimizers (criminals) even went after the DA who prosecuted them, Nifong), Ricky P., ...

But I guess if OJ can get away with ..., then Kobe, Ben R. , the Duke 3 and Ricky P. can get away with ...

And we wonder why violence by athletes and rap singers is getting worse and worse. And we though people from some religions have no respect for women. Well the heathen atheists in the USA making millions of dollars a year in Hollywood, on Wall Street and in the film, music and sports industries are clearly better liars than Marion Jones, Michael Vick, and many baseball players.

Time for Congress to call them all before Congress to testify under oath: Kobe Bryant, Ben R., Magic Johnson (gave AIDS to a women for having unprotected sex with her while he was married to Cookie), Ricky P. ... Did Kobe Bryant give his victim and VDs or ... Hope not. That would be too much. At least he didnot give her AIDS like Magic did to one of his so-called conquests!!

[jordan]

Maybe the problem here is that "the law is the law", an enormous self-perpetuating technique that we have all lost control of. I also do not understand the meaning of "a crime against humanity." There are no crimes against humanity, just crimes against victims. Do I feel victimized by Roman Polanski's crime? Absolutely not. Am I not a part of humanity then?

I also do not understand the demonizing of sex offenders in our country. No matter how slight the offense, such as consensual statutory rape committed by an 18-year-old on a 17-year-old, "sex offender" is a label that some people have to live with the rest of their lives. These people are not beasts: they are human, and humans make mistakes. For the really severe cases, there are often uncontrollable psychological issues at work. If Roman Polanski were a pedophile, as some seem to claim, we would likely hear of more cases of his deviance. But where are these other cases? There is just this one. He took some drugs, got a little too drunk, and made a huge mistake. He is not beast, and he is obviously not a habitual child rapist.

One last note. I read so much about the barbaric nature of his crime in the news. If you want barbarism, think about surviving a Nazi ghetto as child, losing your mother at Auschwitz, and having your pregnant wife murdered in one of the most notorious episodes in recent history. Roman Polanski dealt with all of these, and I am amazed he has turned out as well as he has.

[Bundy]

I like what Jordan wrote he said,"the problem here is that "the law is the law", an enormous self-perpetuating technique that we have all lost control of.

And what is "the law is the law" in this case. The movie Polanski: Wanted and Desired gives us a glimpse of that law, which was jerking Polanski around.

I don't think the cliche "The law is the law" is applicable in Polanski's case as the Santa Monica Judge Rittenband 32 years ago was going to renege on the plea bargain agreement when the agreement had already been made, and after Polanski had already served his time specified in the plea bargain agreement-

The plea bargain agreement had been formulated by the lawyers and prosecutors and victim's lawyer and agreed upon to avoid a formal trial involving the 13 year old girl.

From Polanski's perspective because the original plea bargain agreement where he had pled guilty to one count, was about to be breached by the Judge, California Justice could no longer be trusted. After all Roman had fulfilled his obligation and had done his part, and had served 42 days in Chino Prison. And Chino Prison officials reccommended releasing him with no further prison time.

The Santa Monica Judge Laurence J. Rittenband, who had leverage and the power to impose an indeterminate sentence on Polanski was about to do this as a device to RAILROAD Roman Polanski into giving up his RIGHTS to fight DEPORTATION.

This COERCION to give up Polanski's rights to fight deportation was in excess of the Judge's jurisdiction and also ILLEGAL.

Polanski flew away & escaped from injustice that was occuring against him at the Santa Monica Courthouse.

I BELIEVE ROMAN POLANSKI WOULD HAVE COMPLETED A FAIR SENTENCE .

BUT THE LAW WAS NOT FAIR, THE LAW WAS NOT THE LAW -