Today, Roman Polanski broke his recent silence in the case that goes back 33 years. In the 900-word statement published in France, Polanski argues that the time he spent in Chino 33 years-ago should be considered “sentence served” based on his original plea deal and then lays out his argument. If his argument is legally correct, then Mr. Polanski needs to present his case in a Los Angeles court, where the case can be decided.

The case against Polanski, now 76, dates back to 1977 when he was arrested in Los Angeles where he pleaded guilty to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl. He spent 42 days in prison but fled before a final court appearance for sentencing. Polanski was arrested in September 2009 at Zurich airport after traveling from his home in Paris to collect a lifetime award for his work.

As Katie Buckland said last year to the Associated Press, “…People just don’t understand the impact a crime like this has on a 13-year-old girl. [Mr. Polanski's freedom from justice] sends a message that the rich and powerful can get away with crimes that no one else can get away with.”