Judging by the articles we have translated from the Swiss press today, there is little but pride in Switzerland over today’s decision to reject America’s extradition request for Roman Polanski, and setting the film director free. Arguing that the Americans failed to provide the needed documentation, this editorial from Switzerland’s 24 Heures by Chief Editor Thierry Meyer praises the decision as one that ‘preserves ethics and with them, Swiss pride.’
For 24 Heures, Chief Editor Thierry Meyer writes in part:
Independence, respect for the law, and consistency. Just over nine months after Roman Polanski’s controversial arrest at the airport in Zurich, Switzerland has delivered a decision of clarity and remarkable logic.
In retrospect, the long process and duel demonstration of independence – first with the arrest and now the non-extradition – confers a welcomed legitimacy. It also helps reaffirm, by virtue of the principle of good faith, the primacy given the accused when doubt remains. And here, without judging the merits of a case dating back 33 years, Switzerland has not been granted clarifications that were sought from the United States.
Therefore in this case, one cannot speak of class justice. Here the opposite is true: Roman Polanski endured his confinement without concessions impermissible under the bond he posted, and he now benefits from the same rigorous application of the law. Ethics have been preserved, and with them the honor of Switzerland.
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