Director Roman Polanski, some 32 years ago, avoided a statutory rape charge by pleading guilty to sexual assault upon a 13 year old girl. He skipped bond and fled to France (where there is no extradition agreement) and has been living there ever since.
Recently, he flew to the Zurich Film Festival to receive an award and was arrested by the Swiss police because of an outstanding warrant due to his flight from justice.
The 13 year old victim, who is now in her mid 40’s, has publicly forgiven Polanski and has reached a civil settlement with him. Hollywood stars who were at the Film Festival are now calling his arrest “a tragedy” and “outrageous”. Some are sympathetic because Polanski is now 76 years old. Others think it is unfair to arrest a “gifted artist” so long after the crime.
It’s not Polanski’s arrest that is outrageous, but rather the suggestion that there should be a double standard for the rich and famous or that we should ignore his previous guilty plea because he successfully avoided justice for 32 years.
Think of the message we would be sending. If you can successfully flee justice and befriend the rich and famous, or the powerful and political, you don’t have to answer for your crimes. This inappropriate message would entice every felon awaiting sentence to skip bond, enjoy life, and hope for a “free pass” if they ever get caught in their flight from justice.
The crime is against “the people” and is a breach of state law. When a sexual crime is committed upon one of our young people, it is an offense against us all as a society. Those suggesting reasons for Polanski to receive special treatment should be ashamed.
-Robin Piper - Butler County Prosecutor |
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