Roman Polanksi 'to be granted bail'

Fri Nov 27 2009 18:43:35

Film director Roman Polanski is set to be released under house arrest while he fights extradition to the US on child sex charges.

The 76-year-old Oscar-winning director, who holds dual French and Polish citizenship, was arrested at the request of the US when he flew into Switzerland on September 26 to receive a prize at a film festival.

The US Justice Department said it had decided not to appeal against a decision by the Swiss Federal Criminal Court's decision to grant Polanski's request for release and will free him as soon as he posts $4.5 million bail.

Interpol has warned member countries to stay vigilant, as Polanski had previously skipped bail and defied court orders.

Polanski was originally indicted on six charges, including rape, for having sex after plying a 13-year-old girl with champagne and drugs in 1977.

He pleaded guilty to one count of sex with a minor but skipped bail before the case ended, believing a judge would sentence him to prison despite a plea for time already served.

The director, whose films include the Academy Award-winning The Pianist in 2002, Rosemary's Baby, Repulsion and Knife in the Water.

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