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Judge Refuses To Drop Roman Polanksi Sexual Abuse Case

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Tara Khandelwal
New Update

A Los Angeles judge has refused to dismiss a 40-year-old rape case against acclaimed filmmaker Roman Polanski. In 1977, Samantha Geimer had accused the director of raping her. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was accused of giving her drugs and alcohol, and served 42 days in jail. Just before his formal sentencing, he fled from the United States in 1978, and has not returned since.

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Geimer, who was 13 then, and is now 54, appeared before the court in June, implying it to end legal proceedings, “as an act of mercy to myself and my family”.

She spoke about how media attention has taken a toll on her. She said how she continues to remain a victim, each time there is a new development in the case because of media attention.

Judge Gordon had then said that he would consider her request.

Another victim surfaces

But last Tuesday (August 15), another woman came forward, saying Polanski abused her when she was 16 years old. She said that she felt infuriated to know that Polanski may not see a day in court.

“I am speaking out now so that Samantha and the world will know that she is not the only minor Roman Polanski victimized,” the woman, who called herself Robin, said.

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No deal till Polanski returns to US

On Friday, the judge said that he would not drop the case, and that no deal can be reached until Polanski, who is living in France, returns to the United States. Polanski is a French and Polish citizen.

“The defendant in this matter stands as a fugitive and refuses to comply with court orders,” Judge Gordon wrote. He said that the court could not dismiss a case merely because it would be in the victim’s best interest.

Polanski has continued making films despite the charges against him. In 2003, he won the Academy Award for Best Director for his film “The Pianist”.

The United States has thus far failed to extradite him.

Also Read: Hotel Exec Files Molestation Plaint Against Security Manager, Loses Job

Picture Credit: NBC

sexual abuse Roman Polanski Samantha Geimer
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