Swiss reject Polanski’s release plea in his battle to avoid US extradition

ROMAN POLANSKI yesterday lost the first round in his battle to avoid extradition to the US for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl.

Already locked in a Zurich cell for the last dozen days, Polanski learned he will remain incarcerated for an extended period as the Swiss Justice Ministry rejected his plea to be released from custody.

Swiss authorities expressed fear he might flee the country if freed from prison. The director has been wanted by US authorities since fleeing sentencing 31 years ago.