Indeed you are right, so forget Rommel then.
My point still stands for the other higher up Nazi's though (guys like Goebbels or Josef Mengele)
It matters little though, I think all of them are dead now
Director Roman Polanski taken into Swiss custody on 1978 U.S. arrest warrant
- Thread starter alexmst
- Start date
My point still stands for the other higher up Nazi's though (guys like Goebbels or Josef Mengele)
It matters little though, I think all of them are dead now
I also wonder why they took him now? Polanski was on the german and danish islands of Sylt and Romo this spring with a massive film crew. Surely,
both Denmark and germany have extraditing treaties with the US.
The Americans gave the Swiss something they wanted. Whatever that might be. Somewhere further back there was something about the FDA (approval of a Swiss Drug??)
Anyway, they gave them something orelse the Swiss would have never bothered in a million years.
All the more reason Polanski is fucked.
Anyway, they gave them something orelse the Swiss would have never bothered in a million years.
All the more reason Polanski is fucked.
As the action was taken by the justice department, the americans likely promised not to persecute some of the clients of the swiss banks.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/09/28/zurich.roman.polanski.arrested/index.html
PARIS, France (CNN) -- French authorities expressed solidarity with Roman Polanski's family Monday after authorities arrested the filmmaker on a 1970s sexual-offense charge involving a 13-year-old girl.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he hoped authorities would respect Polanski's rights "and that the affair (will) come to a favorable resolution," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The French culture and communications minister, Frederic Mitterrand, said he "learned with astonishment" of Polanski's arrest. He expressed solidarity with Polanski's family and said "he wants to remind everyone that Roman Polanski benefits from great general esteem" and has "exceptional artistic creation and human qualities."
Filmmakers have reacted with outrage at the arrest.
"As a Swiss filmmaker, I feel deeply ashamed," Christian Frei said.
"He's a brilliant guy, and he made a little mistake 32 years ago. What a shame for Switzerland," said photographer Otto Weisser, a friend of Polanski.
The Polish Filmmakers Association posted a letter on its Web site Monday from the European Film Academy secretariat that protested "the arbitrary treatment of one of the world's most outstanding film directors."
The letter, which was read aloud at the festival, was signed by directors Wim Wenders, Volker Schloendorff and Bertrand Tavernier; actress Victoria Abril; cinematographer Peter Suschitzky; and screenwriter and actor Jean-Claude Carriere.
Mitterrand said he has spoken with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and that Sarkozy "shares his hope for a rapid resolution to the situation which would allow Roman Polanski to rejoin his family as quickly as possible."
Mitterrand said he "greatly regrets that Mr. Polanski has had yet another difficulty added to an already turbulent existence."
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Well, I don't know about calling it "a little mistake" - it was a pretty big mistake I would think. Still, the point the French & Swiss are making is that his career since the incident sort of makes up for his past mistake in their eyes.
PARIS, France (CNN) -- French authorities expressed solidarity with Roman Polanski's family Monday after authorities arrested the filmmaker on a 1970s sexual-offense charge involving a 13-year-old girl.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said he hoped authorities would respect Polanski's rights "and that the affair (will) come to a favorable resolution," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The French culture and communications minister, Frederic Mitterrand, said he "learned with astonishment" of Polanski's arrest. He expressed solidarity with Polanski's family and said "he wants to remind everyone that Roman Polanski benefits from great general esteem" and has "exceptional artistic creation and human qualities."
Filmmakers have reacted with outrage at the arrest.
"As a Swiss filmmaker, I feel deeply ashamed," Christian Frei said.
"He's a brilliant guy, and he made a little mistake 32 years ago. What a shame for Switzerland," said photographer Otto Weisser, a friend of Polanski.
The Polish Filmmakers Association posted a letter on its Web site Monday from the European Film Academy secretariat that protested "the arbitrary treatment of one of the world's most outstanding film directors."
The letter, which was read aloud at the festival, was signed by directors Wim Wenders, Volker Schloendorff and Bertrand Tavernier; actress Victoria Abril; cinematographer Peter Suschitzky; and screenwriter and actor Jean-Claude Carriere.
Mitterrand said he has spoken with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and that Sarkozy "shares his hope for a rapid resolution to the situation which would allow Roman Polanski to rejoin his family as quickly as possible."
Mitterrand said he "greatly regrets that Mr. Polanski has had yet another difficulty added to an already turbulent existence."
----------------
Well, I don't know about calling it "a little mistake" - it was a pretty big mistake I would think. Still, the point the French & Swiss are making is that his career since the incident sort of makes up for his past mistake in their eyes.
Yeah right, then he went on to make another "little mistake" with Nastassja Kinski: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nastassja_Kinski
Those are just the girls we know about, surely there's has to be more
According to The Times this time the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office knew in advance that he was traveling to Switzerland.
Wow. So little time on his hands. How did the District Attorney find out about that, watching the analog TV at Burger King?
Or maybe.......yes......that's it! A search through Michael Jackson's house and the phone went! It was Roman!
Gyaos Baltar.
S'il vous plait, Monsieur! You simply do not appreciate the French and how they love art.......... and little girls!
Swiss legal battle awaits Polanski
By Imogen Foulkes
BBC News, Geneva
Mr Polanski's wife Emmanuelle Seigner is said to be shocked by his arrest
Roman Polanski's arrest in Zurich at the weekend has caused headlines around the world and anger among many.
But legally, Switzerland's extradition agreement with the United States is clear.
The US had issued an international arrest warrant for Mr Polanski. US officials apparently pointed out that the film director would be on Swiss soil on Saturday, and asked the Swiss authorities to detain him.
Switzerland's Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf did not hesitate.
"We have an agreement with the US to apprehend those wanted for offences," she said.
"When we knew Mr Polanski was here and the US asked us to act, it was our duty to do so."
Why now?
But that does not really explain why Switzerland chose this particular moment to act.
Roman Polanski is a regular visitor to Switzerland. He has a holiday home in the resort of Gstaad where he likes to ski.
For me this arrest is impossible to understand. He was an honoured guest in our country
Ueli Leuenberger
Green Party
Many Swiss - especially those who turned up at Zurich's film festival expecting to see Mr Polanski receive a lifetime achievement award - feel the police action ordered by the government was clumsy, even cruel.
"How the Swiss can invite him to an official event to receive an award, and then arrest him, I can't understand it," said one visitor. "It's ludicrous, ridiculous."
"I think it is shameful, bothering an old man like that," said another. "I am ashamed to be Swiss."
Swiss political parties on the left and the right have their doubts too.
"For me this arrest is impossible to understand," said Ueli Leuenberger of the Green Party. "He was an honoured guest in our country."
'Foreign masters'
On the right, Toni Brunner of the Swiss People's Party expressed anger at what he sees as Switzerland's eagerness to carry out US instructions.
Swiss Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf says it was her duty to act
"It's ridiculous and just shows what happens when we try to serve foreign masters," said Mr Brunner.
But despite the loud chorus of disapproval, many other Swiss believe the events which led to Mr Polanski's arrest should not be overlooked.
"What we are talking about is the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, one of the most serious crimes there is," said Christophe Darbellay of the Christian Democrats.
"I think Mr Polanski should be extradited to the United States as soon as possible."
But speed is unlikely to be a factor in this case.
Lawyers are already being wheeled into position for what is likely to be a long and complicated legal process.
Possible appeal
Mr Polanski has now appointed a Swiss lawyer, whose first action could be to appeal against the original decision to arrest him.
Meanwhile, the film director's French lawyer is expected in Zurich later on Monday, together with Mr Polanski's wife Emmanuelle Seigner, who is said to be shocked by his arrest.
Polanski: Film's dark prince
Outcry over Polanski's detention
The slow-burning Polanski saga
The French culture minister has suggested France would challenge any attempt to extradite Mr Polanski.
The US has 60 days to serve the extradition request, but even then, Mr Polanski can challenge it in the Swiss courts.
It is a process which could take weeks, more likely months.
Swiss precedent shows that the subjects of extradition requests are normally kept in detention.
Although the Swiss justice ministry has said bail for Roman Polanski cannot be excluded, if bail is granted the conditions are likely to be very strict indeed.
After all, Mr Polanski's record on bail is not a good one - 31 years ago he skipped bail in the United States and fled to France rather than be sentenced in a US court.
That is the reason he is in detention in Zurich today.
By Imogen Foulkes
BBC News, Geneva
Mr Polanski's wife Emmanuelle Seigner is said to be shocked by his arrest
Roman Polanski's arrest in Zurich at the weekend has caused headlines around the world and anger among many.
But legally, Switzerland's extradition agreement with the United States is clear.
The US had issued an international arrest warrant for Mr Polanski. US officials apparently pointed out that the film director would be on Swiss soil on Saturday, and asked the Swiss authorities to detain him.
Switzerland's Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf did not hesitate.
"We have an agreement with the US to apprehend those wanted for offences," she said.
"When we knew Mr Polanski was here and the US asked us to act, it was our duty to do so."
Why now?
But that does not really explain why Switzerland chose this particular moment to act.
Roman Polanski is a regular visitor to Switzerland. He has a holiday home in the resort of Gstaad where he likes to ski.
For me this arrest is impossible to understand. He was an honoured guest in our country
Ueli Leuenberger
Green Party
Many Swiss - especially those who turned up at Zurich's film festival expecting to see Mr Polanski receive a lifetime achievement award - feel the police action ordered by the government was clumsy, even cruel.
"How the Swiss can invite him to an official event to receive an award, and then arrest him, I can't understand it," said one visitor. "It's ludicrous, ridiculous."
"I think it is shameful, bothering an old man like that," said another. "I am ashamed to be Swiss."
Swiss political parties on the left and the right have their doubts too.
"For me this arrest is impossible to understand," said Ueli Leuenberger of the Green Party. "He was an honoured guest in our country."
'Foreign masters'
On the right, Toni Brunner of the Swiss People's Party expressed anger at what he sees as Switzerland's eagerness to carry out US instructions.
Swiss Justice Minister Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf says it was her duty to act
"It's ridiculous and just shows what happens when we try to serve foreign masters," said Mr Brunner.
But despite the loud chorus of disapproval, many other Swiss believe the events which led to Mr Polanski's arrest should not be overlooked.
"What we are talking about is the statutory rape of a 13-year-old girl, one of the most serious crimes there is," said Christophe Darbellay of the Christian Democrats.
"I think Mr Polanski should be extradited to the United States as soon as possible."
But speed is unlikely to be a factor in this case.
Lawyers are already being wheeled into position for what is likely to be a long and complicated legal process.
Possible appeal
Mr Polanski has now appointed a Swiss lawyer, whose first action could be to appeal against the original decision to arrest him.
Meanwhile, the film director's French lawyer is expected in Zurich later on Monday, together with Mr Polanski's wife Emmanuelle Seigner, who is said to be shocked by his arrest.
Polanski: Film's dark prince
Outcry over Polanski's detention
The slow-burning Polanski saga
The French culture minister has suggested France would challenge any attempt to extradite Mr Polanski.
The US has 60 days to serve the extradition request, but even then, Mr Polanski can challenge it in the Swiss courts.
It is a process which could take weeks, more likely months.
Swiss precedent shows that the subjects of extradition requests are normally kept in detention.
Although the Swiss justice ministry has said bail for Roman Polanski cannot be excluded, if bail is granted the conditions are likely to be very strict indeed.
After all, Mr Polanski's record on bail is not a good one - 31 years ago he skipped bail in the United States and fled to France rather than be sentenced in a US court.
That is the reason he is in detention in Zurich today.
Its not a nice thing to say, but I hope Polanski spends the rest of his life in prison (till he dies)
Hmmm..... You're the Swiss government. You want to please the USA. You're under political pressure from your own political parties and also the French. (Although frankly, why the French have any say in extradition proceedings between Switzerland and the USA is impossible to understand - unless you're French, I guess!)
You agree to give RP bail. And of course, the little bugger immediately drives the couple of miles to the French border. You are very cross with him and tell the USA you did everything you could to extradite him, but he slipped away.
Problem solved.
You agree to give RP bail. And of course, the little bugger immediately drives the couple of miles to the French border. You are very cross with him and tell the USA you did everything you could to extradite him, but he slipped away.
Problem solved.
Extradition
There is an extradition treaty between the US and Switzerland. Local prosecutors have tracked Polanski for years and have tried to nab him several times when he ventured into a country with extradition rights.
There is an extradition treaty between the US and Switzerland. Local prosecutors have tracked Polanski for years and have tried to nab him several times when he ventured into a country with extradition rights.
I doubt that its going to be as easy as that,Polanski is a French citizen so yes they do have a right to an opinion(the French) as do the Polish.Hmmm..... You're the Swiss government. You want to please the USA. You're under political pressure from your own political parties and also the French. (Although frankly, why the French have any say in extradition proceedings between Switzerland and the USA is impossible to understand - unless you're French, I guess!)
You agree to give RP bail. And of course, the little bugger immediately drives the couple of miles to the French border. You are very cross with him and tell the USA you did everything you could to extradite him, but he slipped away.
Problem solved.
You would have to be very very naive to think that this is going to play out with Polanski simply being sent cuffed to a Fed on a plane back to the US.
I'm sure Mrs Clinton will eventually be recieving quiet a few phone calls from more than a few EU Foreign minister
"Bernard Kouchner, the French foreign minister, described the arrest as “a bit sinister,” and said he and the Polish foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, were jointly writing a letter expressing their concerns to Hillary Rodham Clinton, their U.S. counterpart"=NY TIMES
=willie
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Everyone has the right to an opinion, Willie. Even us.
The French government has no standing as a party to the extradition proceedings in Switzerland. And I don't think the USA is going to back down to the French and Polish on what has become an ultra high profile case.
Ironically, if RP does not get bail, he may end up doing more time in Geneva than he would have initially in the US.
The French government has no standing as a party to the extradition proceedings in Switzerland. And I don't think the USA is going to back down to the French and Polish on what has become an ultra high profile case.
Ironically, if RP does not get bail, he may end up doing more time in Geneva than he would have initially in the US.
I think your missing my point oagre,both the Polish and French are important patrners to the US in other areas( Afghanistan) and if they officially voice a real concern in RP's case I suspect that this won't be played out in two dimensions
Agreed on your final point though
