With the Swiss government deciding to set Roman Polanski free, prosecutors and justice officials across America feel an injustice has been served, the Associated Press (AP) reported on July 13. Hoping they can still prosecute the director, U.S. officials have decided to keep the warrant for his arrest active. “The United States believes that the rape of a 13-year-old child by an adult is a crime, and we continue to pursue justice in this case,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said.

The Swiss government said it decided not to extradite Polanski because U.S. authorities wouldn’t turn over transcripts of testimony given in the case. The testimony is sealed, and can only be used if the former prosecutor was available for an evidentiary hearing.

Polanski is now able to return to his native France, where he is safe from being sent back to the U.S., as the country doesn’t extradite its citizens. But L.A. Country District Attorney Steve Cooley said if the director is arrested in a country with a favorable extradition treaty, he’ll work with federal officials to have Polanski returned for sentencing.

Written by: Karen Benardello

Director Roman Polanski

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