Strange Timing & Motive In Polanski Arrest

[Peter Lemkin]

I heard this too on the radio today and though much the same. He has been in and out of Switzerland countless times over the years. I didn't realise he owns a home there and that makes it even stranger. I find his crime repulsive but if he has conducted himself appropriately since then and if his victim has in some way come to terms with it and does not wish to pursue the matter I don't see why he had to be arrested now or ever. There have been plenty of other times and places he could have been arrested. Why don't they do something really useful and go and arrest Bush and Cheney and the Prince of Darkness instead of leaving it to the Spanish judge?

While I make no defense of his making 'love' to a 13 year old, she not long after the event, when an adult, formally asked the crime NOT be pursued - and has maintained that position for decades. [something that has no legal standing in the US]. I do feel there are some special circumstances in this case: His survival of the Warsaw Ghetto, his crimeless history since; his travel all over the world for many decades in countries that could have arrested and extradited him [including his home in Switzerland!]; the recent death of one of the killers of Sharon Tate not more than a few days ago; the current pressure the USA is making on the Swiss over bank secrecy [in order to get more tax revenue - the USA is being hypocritical, as it allows foreigners to hide their assets in shell-corporations in the USA!]; there was a plea-bargain arrangement the prosecution reneged on; the history of the Manson Family with U.S. intelligence...and more....there will be NO trial in the USA, if he is extradited [which I heard from legal experts he WILL be!]. He will just be placed in prison for the rest of his life.....

Polanski's long-running legal saga gained new momentum late last year with the release of an HBO documentary, "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired," which claimed misconduct by the now-deceased judge who handled 1977 case and reneged on a plea deal. With the new evidence presented in the film, Polanski sent a team of lawyers to court in Los Angeles seeking dismissal of the charges.

But despite acknowledging "substantial misconduct," a judge ruled that Polanski would have to appear in person to pursue his motion. Polanski's lawyers said he decided not to risk arrest on a fugitive warrant, and planned instead never to set foot in the United States.

His victim, Samantha Geimer, who long ago identified herself publicly, sued Polanski and reached an undisclosed settlement. But she has since joined in Polanski's bid for dismissal, saying she wants the case to be over and at one point offering to come to court in Polanski's place to argue for dismissal.

...your point is well taken - they always go after the easy small-fry...not the big sharks!