Switzerland Will Not Extradite Polanski… Yet.

BBC News reported today that the Swiss government has decided not to extradite director Roman Polanksi until after his appeal has been ruled on. The 76 year old famed Hollywood director fled the United States in 1978 after being convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 13 year old girl.

Polanski is best known for directing such classic films as Chinatown, Rosemary’s baby, and The Pianist, among many others. Polanski also made headlines in 1969 when his pregnant wife, actress Sharon Tate was brutally murdered by the Manson cult.

Since his conviction over 20 years ago, many of Hollywood’s biggest names have become divided over those who support Polanski, and those who would like to see him behind bars.

Polanski was placed under house arrest by the Swiss government in 2009 at the request of the U.S. government. Once the courts have ruled on his appeal, it will be up to Switzerland to decide whether or not to send him back. Until then, Polanski’s newest film The Ghost Writer will debut at the Berlin Film Festival this week.