CRIME & PUNISHMENT

Polanski Moves Closer to Extradition

U.S. asks Switzerland to hand over the director.

Roman Polanski is one step closer to facing the Los Angeles justice system. On Friday the U.S. filed papers formally asking the Swiss authorities to hand over the director. According to an e-mail exchange between Los Angeles prosecutors, the Swiss were apparently very anxious for the U.S. to start extradition procedures. Zurich authorities will hold a hearing on an unspecified date to determine whether the prize-winning director will be returned to Los Angeles. In theory, Polanski could appeal the decision to Switzerland's top court, and possibly even to the U.S. Supreme Court. Polanski has been wanted by Los Angeles authorities since he skipped town in 1978 after pleading guilty to unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl.