Filmmaker and long-time fugitive has been arrested in Switzerland, according to the BBC. He is in custody, and facing extradition to the US.
Film director Roman Polanski has been taken into custody in Switzerland and faces extradition to the US for having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977.
Mr Polanski, 76, was detained on Saturday as he travelled from France to collect a lifetime achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival.
Uh, not quite. Mr. Polanski gave a protesting thirteen-year old girl champagne and quaaludes, and then sexually assaulted her when she was incapacitated by drugs. She “begged him to stop, until it was obvious that it was of no use.” *This is more than “having sex with” this is aggravated rape of a child.
The French, among whom Mr. Polanski has been living openly for decades, are outraged.
Mr. Polanski has suffered great hardship in his life, suffering in the Krakow ghetto in WWII and the murder of his pregnant wife in 1969. Tragedy, however, does not give someone a free pass to be a criminal. Neither does talent or celebrity. I reserve my sympathy for his victim. Mr. Polanski has evaded justice for decades, and it is time for it to end. Justice delayed is justice denied.
*These are his victim’s own words.
Blunt Object and the Atomic Nerds have their takes on Mr. Polanski and Acorn.
William The Coroner's Forensic Files 
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Pingback by Pregnancy Dates Calculator — Sunday, 27, September, 2009 @ 11:33 |
I agree with you on this case. Alas, it seems to be a minoritiy view. There are no facts in question in this case-a sound criminal case and confession. Even the much discussed HBO “Investgation” did not dispute fact of the assault.
It seems that a very wealthy man with Hollywood connections can get out of almost any crime that is perpetrated in California. It is not a good reflection on that part of American society.
7th grade girl. Man in 40s. Man gives alcohol and drugs to girl. Man has intercourse and then sodomises the girl.
How is that ok?
Comment by Glen in Texas — Sunday, 27, September, 2009 @ 16:45 |
Agreed!
Comment by Old NFO — Monday, 28, September, 2009 @ 01:57 |
I’m with Glen and Old NFO on this one.
Your second link doesn’t work for me. (I’ve seen a lot of “had sex with” in internet discussion of this case, which leads to complaints of “oh, they were just fooling around”. I’d like to be able to cite a reasonably primary source to rebut them.)
Comment by bluntobject — Monday, 28, September, 2009 @ 12:05 |
Following up my own request: there’s more discussion, with links to grand jury testimony, on Below the Beltway.
Comment by bluntobject — Monday, 28, September, 2009 @ 12:19
To be fair to the French, only a few are outraged at his arrest because they see his arrest as a loss to the film industry, nothing more. The Swiss were peeved because it messed up the festival.
The thing is, this isn’t the first time Polanski traveled out of France — moreover, he owns a house in Switzerland. Why did they wait so long to nab him? I know it takes awhile to get permission or what-have-you to arrest someone overseas, but 32 years? Really? THAT is what most people here are peeved about.
Comment by Joan — Monday, 28, September, 2009 @ 12:12 |
I agree he should have been nabbed faster, but there is no “Olley, olley oxen free” in the law. An active warrant is active until vacated by a judge. The French are known for keeping people who stuff their girlfriends into trunks (Ira Einhorn) safe from the law in the US, why not people who rape little girls?
Comment by williamthecoroner — Monday, 28, September, 2009 @ 12:22
Three words: French Foreign Legion.
I’m not saying it’s right.
Comment by Joan — Monday, 28, September, 2009 @ 16:22
Gotta say, though, you have to have a lot of respect for La Legion d’Etrangers. Those guys are loyal to one another and are badasses. I think the difference lies in putting your own tender epidermis between his loved (adopted) home and the war’s desolation, and living the life of a celebrity. Good works help.
Comment by williamthecoroner — Monday, 28, September, 2009 @ 17:20
Legionnaires are, without a doubt, more badass than James Bond. My point was that they do have a reputation for taking in criminals and outcasts. Well, more not caring about who they take in. And when all is said and done, they’re given a new life and a clean slate. And if Polanski has joined the Legion instead of just hanging out in Europe… I still don’t think that’s justice.
I’m just saying that the general public here in France never fully accepted Polanski. He has openly admitted to his actions over here. There’s just a handful of loudmouths whining about it — including Woody Allen, actually.
Comment by Joan — Tuesday, 29, September, 2009 @ 06:43
I don’t know much about Polanski’s work, but even if he was a great artist, that still wouldn’t excuse him. I for one will be glad if the law treats him to what he deserves, not only for what he did to this then-child, but also for fleeing justince.
Comment by redrabbitslife — Friday, 2, October, 2009 @ 20:25 |
However, it is worth remembering that the Legion’s motto is (roughly translated) “You have joined the Legion to die, and we will send you to where you may”
The Legion’s no questions asked policy is based on brutal discipline (administered by professional soldiers to those joining) and a clear understanding of the fact that those who join will be placed in harm’s way often and without consideration for their needs/wants/interests.
Moving to France and being a celebrity doesn’t even tour the place that those who join the Legion go.
Comment by Echo — Thursday, 21, January, 2010 @ 07:22 |