Filmmaker Roman Polanski Speaks Out: Extradition Request 'Founded on Lie'

Filmmaker Roman Polanski, 76, has broken his silence concerning the motives of the United States in their demand for his extradition to Los Angeles from Switzerland, saying they want to serve him "on a platter to the media."

According to Popeater, the Rosemary's Baby director told an online magazine run by one of his supporters, French philosopher Bernard-Henri Levy, "I can no longer remain silent because the United States continues to demand my extradition more to serve me on a platter to the media of the world than to pronounce a judgment concerning which an agreement was reached 33 years ago."

In 1977, Roman Polanski was accused of plying a then-13-year-old girl with champagne and drugging her with half a Quaalude during a modeling shoot before raping her at the home of actor Jack Nicholson. He was indicted on six felony's ranging from rape by use of drugs to child molestation and sodomy. Polanski pled guilty to one count of unlawful intercourse.

The Alleged Agreement Between the Judge and Roman Polanski:

The agreement Polanski speaks of involves Judge Laurence J. Rittenband who is now deceased. Judge Rittenband and attorneys agreed that Polanski would be sentenced to a 90-day diagnostic study - no jail time, no probation. The judge allegedly changed his mind and called Polanski in for further sentencing. Feeling betrayed by the judge, Polanski fled to France.

Roman Polanski said Judge Rittenband wanted to "gain himself some publicity at my expense." He argues the current request for his extradition is "founded on a lie."

Retired Deputy District Attorney has confirmed the three-decades old events that support Polanski's claims and lawyers for the director argue if Gunson's testimony is unsealed, they will show the current extradition request will be proven to be based on false and incomplete statements by the LA County district attorney's office.

Polanski also spoke on current DA Steve Cooley who he says "is handling this case and has requested (the) extradition, is himself campaigning for election and needs media publicity." Cooley is currently running for California Attorney General.

What does the victim want?

The victim in all this drama, Samantha Geimer, has been adamant that she wants the case dropped. Having sued Polanski and reached an undisclosed settlement, she filed papers in a California appeals court in 2009 formally requesting that charges against Polanski be dropped.

According to CBS News, should Polanski's extradition request is approved and he is brought back to the U.S., Geimer cannot be forced to testify against the him.

Roman Polanski was arrested last year when he entered Switzerland for a film festival where he was to have received a lifetime achievement award. He is currently under house arrest at his Alpine Swiss chalet.

According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), one in every six (17.7 million) women in the U.S. has been the victim of attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.

Sources:
Popeater, Roman Polanski Breaks Silence, Says U.S. Wants to 'Serve Me on a Platter'
Roman Polanski Rape Victim Samantha Geimer Wants Case Dismissed - Crimesider - CBS News
Who are the Victims? RAINN - Rape Abuse and Incest National Network