Why should Roman Polanski face justice?

Mr. Polanski had a full and competent legal defence before an independent trier of fact in a first world court with jurisdiction. He lacked only one thing, innocence. Hence, Polanski, did what was in his best interests at the time. He made a plea-bargain in exchange for a reduced sentence wherein he allocuted - that is, he explained his actions before sentence was passed. He admitted his pedophilic nature and his horrific criminal behavior in administering to a 13 year old child, drugs and alcohol prior to committing child rape/sodomy. Case closed, almost.

Mr. Polanski then jumps jurisdiction. Thereby reneging on his responsibilities and chance to make amends for his most heinous criminal acts without paying, his albeit reduced, debt to society. He chose to use his wealth and fame openly hiding out in a legal jurisdiction, where those with wealth or fame are not held to the same standard of justice as the rest of us. To add insult to injury, Polanski, over the years and with unmitigated gall, has the audacity to portray himself as a victim, which victimized the child time and time again. Is it any wonder today, years latter the child now mature woman, has little interest in opening up publicly old wounds inflicted?

At stake here is the "Integrity Corner Stone" in the foundation of our first world justice system. Without admonishment, denunciation and especially a public condemnation, the ilk of the Roman Polanski's of this world, will have much less to fear, to say nothing about just retribution. The long arm of the law needs to bring him back, in shackles if necessary. For justice to be done, it must be seen to be done!

Doug Stead, Coquitlam, BC