A California appeals court today denied an attempt by attorneys representing Roman Polanski to have a sex charge against the film director dismissed on grounds of judicial misconduct.
But in its ruling, the California Second District Court of Appeal said it did not disregard the "extremely serious allegations" raised in the case and urged the parties to "take steps to investigate and to respond to the claims."
Oscar-winning director Polanski, whose work includes Chinatown and The Pianist, is under house arrest in Switzerland, where he is being held in a more than 30-year-old case in which he pleaded guilty to having unlawful sex with a minor.
In 1978, Polanski fled the United States before he could be formally sentenced.
The 76-year-old, who holds dual French and Polish citizenship, was arrested at the request of the United States when he flew into Switzerland on September 26th to receive a lifetime achievement prize at a film festival.
He was released on bail earlier this month.
Reuters