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Roman Polanski detained in Zurich

by generaldecay | September 27, 2009 at 07:52 am

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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.

I had no idea that Polanski was accused of this. It seems that he has used the system to evade justice. Perhaps this case illustrates that justice can catch up with you even after 30 years. Or did he perhaps think that he had not done anything wrong by raping a 13 year old? I suppose we may find out soon.

Here is the timeline of the case so far.

1977 - Polanski admits unlawful sex with Samantha Geimer, 13, in Los Angeles
1978 - flees to Britain after US arrest warrant is issued
1978 - immediately moves to France where he holds citizenship
1978 - settles in France, where he is protected by France's limited extradition with US
2008 - Polanski's lawyer demands case be dismissed and hearing moved out of LA court
2009 - Polanski's request to have hearing outside LA is denied

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Roy C

at 08:06 on September 27th, 2009

I am pretty sure we are talking about a statutory rape and that the girl was prostituted by her mother.

René

at 08:42 on September 27th, 2009

You know, Roy, I heard much the same thing. but can find nothing on the web to substantiate that now.

and have seen many young girls, as young as 11, looking mature, and predatory.

Polansky was an extremely damaged psychologically man, if he drank too much, well.....

People can act outraged now, but back then many were on his side. Where are those people now?

generaldecay

at 09:32 on September 27th, 2009

and have seen many young girls, as young as 11, looking mature, and predatory.

Polansky was an extremely damaged psychologically man, if he drank too much, well.....

This is victim-blaming pure and simple. Girl wears short skirt so she should expect to be raped. Man was too drunk to know any better so it's not his fault that he raped someone. Rape is NEVER a victim's fault.

QueensHart

at 08:53 on September 27th, 2009

Makes one wonder what he has done but never got caught.. He is definitely sexually addicted.

generaldecay

at 09:36 on September 27th, 2009

I did not know that about Polanski. But you raise a good point there, QH.

Roy C

at 09:22 on September 27th, 2009

Rene, I have been looking myself. I was in LA back then. There was a whole circle of stars with this practice.

It even appeared in The Godfather, the book. In the film, the scene at the producer's mansion where the mother and a young teen-age girl are leaving the house was cut.

Definitely a part of the "culture of Hollywood". A few famous directors I can name have been accused by women as well.

Yes, Polanski was a damaged man, but a very guilty one as well. Very strange that he flew to Zurich thinking what?

And, never had been in Zurich before? What is the deal here with law enforcement.

generaldecay

at 09:45 on September 27th, 2009

It even appeared in The Godfather, the book. In the film, the scene at the producer's mansion where the mother and a young teen-age girl are leaving the house was cut.

Oh, that's what that referred to.

Edit: GRR to NP saving only half my comment.

Cont. I always did wonder if that scene was based on a true event because it smacked of realism.