Update | 3:12 p.m. PARIS -- A Swiss court on Wednesday granted bail to the filmmaker Roman Polanski, who was being detained as he fights extradition to the United States to face sentencing on child-sex charges. The Swiss Federal Criminal Court granted Mr. Polanski's appeal against detention in exchange for 4.5 million Swiss francs, or $4.5 million, together with other guarantees like the surrender of his identity papers to ensure he does not leave the country, the federal tribunal said. The three judges of the court estimated that the bail amount was a substantial portion of Mr. Polanski's fortune and that given his "advanced age" -- he is 76 -- the "possibility of re-accumulation of fortune in this amount would not be certain." The court considered the bail and the supporting measures "as being sufficient to avert the risk of flight," it said. The Justice Ministry has 10 days during which it can submit an appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. But the justice minister, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, told Swiss television that she could see no reason to appeal the decision, Reuters reported.
Update | 3:12 p.m. PARIS -- A Swiss court on Wednesday granted bail to the filmmaker Roman Polanski, who was being detained as he fights extradition to the United States to face sentencing on child-sex charges.
The Swiss Federal Criminal Court granted Mr. Polanski's appeal against detention in exchange for 4.5 million Swiss francs, or $4.5 million, together with other guarantees like the surrender of his identity papers to ensure he does not leave the country, the federal tribunal said.
The three judges of the court estimated that the bail amount was a substantial portion of Mr. Polanski's fortune and that given his "advanced age" -- he is 76 -- the "possibility of re-accumulation of fortune in this amount would not be certain."
The court considered the bail and the supporting measures "as being sufficient to avert the risk of flight," it said.
The Justice Ministry has 10 days during which it can submit an appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court. But the justice minister, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, told Swiss television that she could see no reason to appeal the decision, Reuters reported.
Is this a sign that the journalist doesn't know anything about Europe, or is he just dumbing down for his readership? Since Switzerland is in Schengen, he shouldn't have much difficulty leaving without identity papers. The key point is buried deep down in the article:
If the justice ministry does not appeal, Mr. Polanski would be allowed to leave his jail cell and remain under house arrest and electronic monitoring at his holiday chalet in the mountain resort of Gstaad.
