US makes formal request for Polanski extradition (REU)
By Nancy Tartaglione
Nearly four weeks after the arrest of Roman Polanski, his extradition has been formally requested by the US, the Swiss justice ministry said Friday. Reuters reports the ministry said it would make a decision on extradition based on a hearing and on information provided by Polanski's lawyer, but that there was no deadline.
"We will take the time that is needed," spokesman Folco Galli said.
Polanski, who has been in jail since his arrest on September 26, has already been denied an appeal to be released on bail pending the extradition proceedings.
He will now be able to appeal against any extradition decision to the Swiss Federal Criminal Court and, in ultimately, the Federal Supreme Court, if necessary.
Polanski fled the US 32 years ago when he was due to be sentenced for having unlawful sex with a minor. The Oscar-winner, on his way to a film festival, was arrested in Zurich on a warrant stemming from the decades old court case.
US judicial sources have said the extradition process is complex and could take years if Polanski challenges it.
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U.S. formally asks Swiss to extradite Polanski (REU)
