Oscar winning director Roman Polanski moved a step closer to being extradited back to America Tuesday after the Swiss Government rejected an appeal to release him from prison.

Ministry spokesman Folco Galli explained the decision was made on the basis that they feel there is a high risk that Polanski might flee the country if he was released from jail.

The Chinatown and The Pianist directors lawyers have filed a separate court case as they try desperately to stop him being sent back to America.

• TAGS

• Folco Galli
• Roman Polanski
• Samantha Geimer
• Switzerland Chinatown
• The Pianist