Swiss Authorities to Place Roman Polanski Under House Arrest Friday

Since Feb 1, 1978 famed director Roman Polanski has lived in France and has avoided extradition for the rape he committed against a then 13 year old girl. He had apparently given her champagne and a Quaalude to rape her. Polanski was indicted on 6 felony charges, but only plead guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse. The judge dropped all other charges, sent Polanski to jail for a 90 day psychiatric evaluation but released him after just 42 days!!

Polanski was supposed to go back to jail to serve out the rest of his time, but instead fled the US to France (which does not extradite) and since not paid for his crime. Was this because of his social status? Why did the authorities not press harder to extradite him?

31 years later Polanski was arrested again when he flew to Zurich to receive a lifetime achievement award. Though he's been in jail since Sept 26, 2009 he will be placed under house arrest Dec 4, 2009 where he will remain with an electronic ankle bracelet while the authorities decide what to do.