Roman Polanski’s lawyers have asked that the director be released from Swiss custody, filing a motion in court Tuesday in an effort to stop his extradition to the U.S. over charges stemming from a 1977 statutory rape case.
"The decision will be made within the next weeks," the Swiss Federal Criminal Court said after announcing the filing. As such, 76-year-old Polanski will remain imprisoned through the verdict and any appeals.
The criminal court will decide if they believe the U.S. request for Polanski’s capture is legal, Swiss Justice Ministry spokesman Guido Balmer told the Associated Press.
Both the Justice Ministry and Polanski could later appeal decisions at the Federal Tribunal, Switzerland’s highest court.