The Long Road Home: Roman Polanski’s Decades-Long Extradition Saga
Amicus International Consulting Analyzes the Most Notorious Ongoing Extradition Case in Modern History—and What It Reveals About Legal Identity, Mobility, and International Justice
VANCOUVER, Canada – For nearly half a century, the name Roman Polanski has been synonymous not just with cinematic brilliance, but with one of the most enduring and controversial legal sagas in U.S. extradition history.
A fugitive since 1978, Polanski’s case has tested the boundaries of international cooperation, diplomatic immunity, and the right to a fair trial.
Amicus International Consulting—a global leader in legal identity transformation, international mobility, and extradition risk advisory—has released an in-depth legal retrospective examining how Polanski’s decades-long evasion has reshaped how governments handle high-profile extraditions, and what it means for other individuals navigating complex cross-border legal threats.
“Polanski’s case is not just about Hollywood or headlines—it’s about the intersection of justice, jurisdiction, and international law,” said a spokesperson from Amicus. “His story reveals how legal identity, citizenship, and geopolitical realities can redefine the meaning of justice.”
The Incident That Sparked an International Legal Odyssey
In 1977, Roman Polanski—then 43 years old—was arrested in Los Angeles for unlawful sexual conduct with a 13-year-old girl. He pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor as part of a plea bargain and underwent a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation.
But after learning that the judge might disregard the plea agreement and impose a lengthy prison sentence, Polanski fled the United States in 1978, boarding a flight to France.
He has not returned since.
France: A Citizenship Barrier to Extradition
One of the pivotal facts in Polanski’s evasion is his French citizenship, which he acquired after fleeing to France. France, like many countries, does not extradite its citizens under its laws. This legal shield has enabled Polanski to live in Paris and travel freely within France.
Key Points:
- France and the U.S. have an extradition treaty, but it includes exceptions for nationals.
- French courts have refused U.S. extradition requests, citing domestic protections.
- Polanski has maintained dual nationality (French and Polish) to retain European mobility.
This legal strategy—remaining within non-extradition jurisdictions—has been central to his long-term avoidance of U.S. custody.
International Arrests and Legal Close Calls
Though safe in France, Polanski’s mobility has occasionally triggered legal interventions.
Switzerland (2009):
Polanski was arrested in Zurich en route to a film festival. U.S. authorities submitted a formal extradition request. After ten months of legal proceedings, Swiss authorities refused to extradite, citing potential flaws in the original U.S. plea agreement and “public interest” considerations.
Poland (2015):
Polish authorities detained Polanski in Krakow after a U.S. extradition request. However, a Polish court ruled against extradition in 2016, and the country’s Supreme Court upheld the decision.
Italy and the Czech Republic:
Polanski has made brief appearances in Venice and Prague—both nations with which the U.S. has extradition treaties. On each occasion, he entered and departed quietly, relying on pre-vetted legal and diplomatic protocols.
How Has He Stayed Free? Amicus Breaks Down the Tactics
Amicus International Consulting, which advises clients facing political, legal, or diplomatic threats, identifies several key factors that have allowed Polanski to remain at liberty for nearly 50 years:
1. Citizenship and Strategic Jurisdictions
Polanski’s naturalization in France—and later legal recognition in Poland—placed him beyond the direct reach of U.S. extradition laws. By avoiding countries that automatically cooperate with U.S. authorities, he preserved his autonomy.
2. Legal Representation Across Borders
Polanski’s legal team has continuously engaged with courts in each jurisdiction to challenge or pre-empt extradition, relying on both technical errors and diplomatic arguments.
3. High-Profile Status and Media Strategy
Unlike many fugitives, Polanski remained in the public eye, attending film premieres, winning an Oscar, and speaking to the press. This visibility created public and diplomatic pressure that often worked in his favour.
4. Judicial Inconsistencies in the U.S.
Questions about the original plea deal, alleged misconduct by the judge, and the victim’s appeal to drop the case have complicated U.S. extradition efforts.
Case Study: The 2009 Swiss Extradition Denial
Polanski’s arrest in Zurich appeared to be the moment justice had caught up. But the extradition was denied by Switzerland because:
- The U.S. failed to provide sealed transcripts of the original plea hearings.
- The original sentence was potentially already served in part.
- Swiss law allowed consideration of “public interest and legal fairness.”
This case highlighted the procedural vulnerabilities in long-term extradition efforts and how international law provides pathways, even to those widely regarded as fugitives.
How the U.S. Government Continues to Pursue Him
Despite repeated failures, the U.S. government continues to seek the return of Polanski. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office maintains an active warrant. INTERPOL issued a Red Notice, but it is not enforceable in countries where Polanski is shielded by law or policy.
Amicus notes that this reflects a broader pattern in U.S. enforcement:
- Aggressive pursuit of high-profile fugitives, even decades later.
- Reliance on Red Notices and airport intercepts.
- Pressure on allied countries to modify the extradition law.
“Polanski’s case is a lesson in how time doesn’t erase extradition risk,” said the Amicus spokesperson. “But it also shows how identity, citizenship, and law can create powerful shields.”
The Ethics Debate: Justice vs. Jurisdiction
Public opinion remains fiercely divided. Some believe Polanski should face consequences, regardless of the time that has passed. Others argue that his case reflects judicial misconduct and an outdated legal approach.
The victim, now an adult, has repeatedly expressed a desire to end the case. But prosecutors have refused to dismiss charges or vacate the warrant.
Amicus emphasizes that this is the legal reality many of their clients face: navigating justice systems with no statute of limitations, public scrutiny, and limited due process options.
How Amicus Helps Clients in Extradition Risk Zones
Amicus International Consulting specializes in supporting individuals facing unjust prosecution, politically motivated warrants, or legal threats to their safety and freedom. Services include:
- Extradition risk audits by jurisdiction
- Second citizenship and relocation strategies to non-extradition states
- Legal name and identity change services
- INTERPOL Red Notice challenge filings
- Digital identity reconstruction and privacy shielding
- Advisory for travel safety, asylum law, and protective relocation
Every client undergoes an individualized risk analysis, focusing on legal exposure, diplomatic factors, and mobility restrictions.
Case Study: Politically Targeted Executive Avoids Arrest
Amicus advised a former finance minister from North Africa who was falsely accused of embezzlement after a regime change. Facing Red Notices and sealed indictments, the client:
- Acquired a second passport through investment
- Relocated to a non-extradition Caribbean jurisdiction
- Had their Red Notice successfully challenged at INTERPOL
- Obtained permanent residency in a safe third country
Like Polanski, this client remains free—but with a fully legal and ethically structured foundation.
Conclusion: Roman Polanski’s Extradition Saga Is the Exception—and the Warning
Roman Polanski’s case is unique, but it also serves as a template and a cautionary tale. It shows that extradition is as much about law as it is about politics, identity, and international leverage.
For individuals today facing similar risks—whether from unfair charges, surveillance, or political targeting—Amicus International offers legal alternatives and strategies to rebuild a protected, legitimate life.
“Polanski stayed ahead of the law through circumstance and privilege,” said the Amicus spokesperson. “Our clients don’t need to be famous. They need to be protected—and that’s what we do.”
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Email: info@amicusint.ca
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