Swiss authorities have agreed to release Roman Polanski into house arrest as soon as he posts $4.5 million bail while the film director continues to fight extradition to face sentencing over a 1977 case of sex with a 13-year-old girl in the United States.
The Federal Criminal Tribunal believes that the significant bail amount, electronically monitored house arrest and surrender of all his travel documents should reduce any motive the 76-year-old has to flee. The court also notes the bail is a 'substantial portion' of his fortune.
"As a responsible family father and with regard to his advanced age, the value of financial security for his family has a greater meaning than for a relatively younger person," Judge Cornelia Cova said in his decision.
Polanski could face two years in jail over the thirty year old charges. He was arrested at Zurich airport on September 26, after he arrived to collect a lifetime achievement award at the city's film festival.
The bail decision is a major win for Polanski after a series of legal setbacks. The Justice Ministry says it will keep Polanski in jail at least until Monday, as they fulfill all the requirements to ensure that he stays in the country.
"Polanski will be released from custody as soon as bail has been transferred, ID and travel documents have been lodged, and the electronic monitoring system has been installed and tested," explains the judge.
Meanwhile, a former inmate at Winterthur, the city northeast of Zurich where he is being held, says the Oscar-winning director is receiving much better treatment than other prisoners in custody.
"For example, he could regularly call his wife or his lawyers," Yussi Akram told a local radio station. "He sounded very exhausted."
Akram added that Polanski was also given the privilege of an emergency button when he needed something.
Swiss authorities have agreed to release Roman Polanski into house arrest as soon as he posts $4.5 million bail while the film director continues to fight extradition to face sentencing over a 1977 case of sex with a 13-year-old girl in the United States.
