Swiss Justice Ministry rejects Roman Polanski’s appeal to be released from prison

Swiss reject Polanski’s bid for prison release

BERN, Switzerland — The Swiss Justice Ministry says it has rejected an appeal from Roman Polanski to be released from prison pending his possible extradition to the United States.

Ministry spokesman Folco Galli told The AP on Tuesday that the government maintains there is a high risk that Polanski might flee if released from custody.

The appeal is separate from a court case Polanski’s legal team filed last week that also seeks the 76-year-old director’s freedom.

Polanski was arrested Sept. 26 as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award from a film festival.

U.S. authorities asked for his apprehension and want him extradited for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl.