Polanski to be released to house arrest on Friday
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 | 11:30 AM ET
CBC News
Polish-born film director Roman Polanski, shown Jan. 15 in France, will be released to house arrest on Friday. (Associated Press)Roman Polanski will be released from a Swiss jail and put under house arrest on Friday, Swiss Justice Ministry officials said on Wednesday.
The transfer will take place after 1 p.m. Friday, said Justice Ministry spokesman Folco Galli.
His release has been delayed while the ministry awaits the $4.5 million in bail money needed to secure his release. Swiss rules require the full bail to be posted, rather just a percentage.
Security services have been preparing his chalet near the ski resort of Gstaad so he can remain under electronic monitoring while under house arrest.
The Polish-born director has been in a Swiss jail since Sept. 26, awaiting extradition to the U.S.
Polanski, 76, is wanted in the U.S. for sentencing on a 1978 conviction for unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl. He fled the country on the eve of sentencing and has refused to return.
Swiss authorities say it could still be some weeks before the U.S. application for extradition is resolved.
Polanski was twice turned down for bail, but a Swiss court approved a third bail application.
The terms of his bail release include the $4.5-million surety, relinquishing of his travel and ID documents, and house arrest.
He will be allowed to move around the house and grounds of his Swiss chalet and to have visitors, but will not be allowed to leave. Polanski also must wear an electronic ankle bracelet.
Polanski, director of films such as Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown and The Pianist, is attempting to have charges against him dismissed in the U.S. courts in a hearing scheduled for next week.
With files from The Associated Press
