US requests extradition of Polanski

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The 76-year-old has been in custody since his arrest on September 26 as he arrived in Zurich to attend a film festival.

There will now be a legal hearing to decide whether Polanski should be sent back to Los Angeles.

If extradition is approved, Polanski may appeal the decision to the top criminal court and, theoretically, to the Federal Supreme Court.

That means he could remain in a Swiss jail for months more of legal wrangling, even though legal experts say he has little chance of avoiding a return to the United States 31 years after fleeing when he was found guilty of having sex with a 13-year-old.

The maximum sentence Polanski can receive in California is two years, the Swiss Justice Ministry said.

"In the American case, he declared himself guilty of having sexual relations with a minor," a spokesman said. "According to American law currently in force, the maximum penalty for the crime in question is two years in prison."

In Paris, Polanski's lawyer said the director would fight extradition. "He will oppose this request and continue to ask to be released until the request is examined," Herve Temime said.

The US had until late November to file for extradition, but the Swiss were already asking on October 5 that the Americans expedite the process.

Swiss officials have defended the move as routine procedure. But several politicians said that Switzerland may have co-operated too energetically.