Los Angeles County’s top prosecutor said Thursday that his office isn’t persecuting Roman Polanski, but is merely trying to resolve a case delayed by the director’s flight from the country in 1978.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley declined to speculate on what sentence his office might seek if and when Polanski is returned to Los Angeles. The “Chinatown” director was arrested in Switzerland on Saturday and is challenging extradition to the United States.
Cooley deflected criticism that has been leveled by French officials and some of Hollywood’s elite that continuing to press the case against Polanski is vindictive.
“I don’t persecute anybody and it’s a matter of court processes being concluded,” Cooley said. “There’s a Superior Court bench warrant outstanding, it’s been executed and there will be further court proceedings.”
While Polanski’s case has brought impassioned pleas for his release from French officials and Hollywood elite, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said he shouldn’t expect special treatment. Schwarzenegger said Thursday on CNN that he was an admirer of Polanski’s work, but believes the director’s case should be treated the same as any other criminal matter.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s Roman Polanski or anyone else, I think that those things should be treated like anyone else,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a big-time movie director.”
Asked if he would consider a pardon, Schwarzenegger said he receives many such requests and would give no special consideration to one by Polanski.
