News hounds are no doubt aware of the unfolding drama around Dominique Strauss-Kahn’s arrest on sex assault charges and the court’s denial of bail. It’s a big deal when a global leader is held on Riker’s Island in solitary and on suicide watch for his own protection. Head of the IMF, the worlds most financially powerful man is now no longer permitted laces in his shoes.
Reuters
“Barbaric!” the French media has erupted.
“He remains innocent until proven guilty” they remind us, and that’s correct. “It’s an outrage”, they sniff, “that the American’s do not respect his right of innocence and allow him the courtesy of a return to his home country.”
And to that I offer a name: Roman Polanski
A brilliant motion picture director and French citizen, Polanski was arrested in the United States in 1977 on sex assault charges of a 13 year old American girl. According to her testimony and supporting forensic evidence, Polanski drugged her during a photo shoot to perform “oral, vaginal and anal” sex acts upon her.
Soon after the grand jury investigation Polanski was indicted on another six counts of criminal behavior including rape by use of drugs, perversion, sodomy and furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. And just like DSK, Polanski also alleged his assault was “consensual.”
aboutknowledge.com
He was allowed freedom on bail pending trial during a series of psychiatric exams and court related maneuverings. Roman Polanski agreed to his conviction by pleading guilty to lessor charges but while awaiting formal sentencing he fled the United States, taking up refuge in his native France.
U.S. officials were outraged and petitioned for his extradition but to America’s astonishment, the French denied that request and gave permanent sanctuary to a man who had pleaded guilty to drugging a child for sex. That was in February 1978. More than 33 years later and Polanski remains a free man, protected by the French government.
Strauss-Kahn remains innocent until his trial determines verdict, but our history with France indicates prudence in his detention. The French have no one to blame but themselves.
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