Roman Polanski requests to end historic rape case over sex with 13-year-old
The director fled the US in 1977 before he could be sentenced for having sex with a 13-year-old girl
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lawyer Alan M. Dershowitz is seeking to end Roman Polanski’s long-running rape case.
The director fled the US in 1977 before he could be sentenced for having sex with a 13-year-old girl.
Dershowitz, who has previously worked with Julian Assange and Patty Hearst, has requested permission to represent Polanski in California.
The filing made on Monday at Los Angeles County Superior Court said that Polanski “has taken responsibility for his actions, served his sentence, and a remedy should now be fashioned by the court once and for all”.
The documents also claim that prosecutors had provided false information to support a recent attempt to have the director extradited from Poland.
The filing also demanded a hearing to close Polanski’s case.
Polanski was charged with six felony charges in 1977, including rape and sodomy, before accepting a plea deal. He left the country on the eve of his sentencing.
In 2009, he was arrested in Zurich, Switzerland, following a US extradition attempt, but was freed.
He is currently based in France where he is directing stage show The Vampires' Ball, but wants to shoot a film in Poland on the basis that he won’t be extradited.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments