Polanski's bid for prison release rejected

The Swiss Justice Ministry has rejected an appeal from Roman Polanski to be released from prison pending his possible extradition to the US.

Ministry spokesman Folco Galli said today 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 on September 26 as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award from a film festival.

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