Swiss Reject Roman Polanski’s Bid For Prison Release

First Published: October 6, 2009 9:44 AM EDT Credit: Getty Images

BERN, Switzerland -- Caption Director Roman Polanski attends Che Tempo Che Fa TV Show held at RAI Studios on November 23, 2008 in Milan, ItalyThe Swiss Justice Ministry says it has rejected an appeal from Roman Polanski to be released from prison pending his possible extradition to the United States.

Ministry spokesman Folco Galli told The AP on Tuesday that the government maintains there is a high risk that Polanski might flee if released from custody.

The appeal is separate from a court case Polanski’s legal team filed last week that also seeks the 76-year-old director’s freedom.

Polanski was arrested Sept. 26 as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award from a film festival.

U.S. authorities asked for his apprehension and want him extradited for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl.

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