Roman Polanski Loses Bid for Release in Switzerland

(CN) - Roman Polanski, the director wanted by U.S. authorities for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl, lost his bid for release from Swiss custody on Tuesday.

The Swiss Justice Ministry rejected the 76-year-old fugitive's appeal to be immediately released from prison, The Associated Press reported.

"We continue to be of the opinion that there is a high risk of flight," ministry spokesman Folco Galli told the AP.

The filmmaker was accused of plying the teenager with champagne and part of a Quaalude during a modeling shoot and raping her.

Polanski was indicted on six felony counts, including rape by use of drugs, child molestation and sodomy. He pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of unlawful sexual intercourse and fled the country in 1978.

Polanski was arrested this Sept. 26 as he arrived in Zurich to receive a film festival award.

Los Angeles prosecutors want him extradited to the United States.

Switzerland says there has been international warrant out for the director's arrest since 2005.

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