Polanski May Take His Chances in US

Roman Polanski, denied bail or house arrest in Switzerland, may try his luck in the United States after 31 years. “If this process drags on, it is not completely impossible that Roman Polanski could choose to go finally to explain himself in the United States where the arguments in his favor exist,” one of the filmmaker’s lawyers says. If Polanski continues to fight extradition for fleeing a rape conviction he could spend another 6 months in jail.

Just yesterday another of Polanski’s lawyers suggested the director might appeal the Swiss denial of house arrest but quickly backtracked, the New York Times notes. His counsel has made a point of noting that Polanski is “not in perfect health,” and that prison is hard on the 76-year-old. “Everyone will understand that it’s necessary to bring this affair to conclusion with just and balanced proportions,” the lawyer says. (More Roman Polanski stories.)