Polanski Arrest Sets Off International Debate

Over 30 years ago, Roman Polanski plead guilty to having sex with a minor. The victim was just thirteen years old when she was drugged by big shot Hollywood director Roman Polanski and sexually assaulted. Polanski was charged with six counts and plead guilty to just one. He was sentenced to 42 days in jail and when the possibility of being sentenced to more time in prison became an issue, he fled the country. He has been living in France and has continued to make movies, get married and have two children. He has even won an Oscar for his work and was on his way to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award when he was arrested. He is seen as a hard working family man in France and most of Europe seems to support him. In the United States, he is a fugitive who has been dodging officials and law enforcement for over thirty years.

The victim in this case is Samantha Geimer. She came forward years ago, identified herself, sued Polanski and received a monetary settlement. The question is, if the victim does not want to pursue the matter, does the law continue to do so in the name of justice? Geimer has asked that the charges against Polanski be dropped. She has stated that reliving the ordeal has been hard on her and her family and that she has moved on. Officials say that this is a legal matter and have watched Polanski snub his nose at American authorities. Not only did he commit a heinous crime for which he received a slap on the wrist, but he fled the country and continued on with his life. He has been careful not to work in countries that may extradite him to the United States and has been able to lead a fairly normal, successful life. Now, some may not understand why the US would go after a man whose crime is over 30 years old. They speak about his troubled life and all that he has endured. For those people who are applauding his movie making genius, remember that he still committed a crime. He not only committed a sex crime, but then ran away from authorities. He ADMITTED to having sex with a thirteen year old girl. Even if you don't agree that he should face a courtroom, don't put him on a pedestal for his work. It is hard to discuss what the repercussions should be when the only one who should have a say is the victim. Samantha Geimer is the one whose life has been turned upside down. She is the one who deals with this incident every day of her life. This particular woman wants this all put behind her. Do we honor her wishes, or make an example out of a man who chose to run away from his punishment?



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