Filmmaker Roman Polanski may face two years in prison if deported to the United States for his 1978 rape case. Swiss justice ministry spokesman Folco Galli said on Friday that, “the United States want him to be extradited for sexual intercourse with a minor. This carries a maximum sentence of two years under U.S. law.”
The extradition for the 76-year-old Oscar-winning director was asked by the US authorities but no deadline was set and decisions have yet to be made depending on the outcome of the hearing and the information from Polanski’s lawyers.
“If he agrees voluntarily to the extradition, the process can be concluded rapidly,” Galli said. “If he fights it all the way, it will take months and months.”
Polanski pleaded guilty to a rape charge in 1978. He spent 42 days in prison but left the United States before the case ended. His arrest came when he flew to Zurich to receive an achievement award at a film festival. Changes in the US law on 1 July 1977 reduced Polanski’s sentence to two years.
“Although the director committed the offence before this date, he was not due for sentencing until after July 1, 1977, meaning that sentencing according to the new law applies,” Galli added.
According to the ministry, the director can appeal against the extradition charges to the Swiss Federal Criminal Court or the Federal Supreme Court. But US judicial sources said that Polanski may have to endure a tough road as the extradition process is complex.
Though his appeal for bail has been rejected by the Swiss courts, Polanski’s lawyer Herve Temime informed Reuters that the decision of Polanski to appeal for his release will continue.
“Mr. Polanski will continue to fight this extradition request and demand that he be freed,” he said.
