Schwarzenegger won't pardon Polanski

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says recently arrested filmmaker Roman Polanski should be treated like anyone else in the eyes of the law.

Polanski, 76, was arrested last weekend in Switzerland on an outstanding U.S. warrant in connection with a 1977 child-sex case.

The famous film director, who lives in France, has not traveled to the United States since he pleaded guilty in a Los Angeles court to having unlawful sex with a minor and then fled the country before he could be sentenced. He was accused of drugging and raping Samantha Geimer when she was 13.

Polanski's lawyers have alleged misconduct on the part of the Los Angeles criminal justice system at the time of the plea deal.

People.com reported former actor Schwarzenegger said Thursday he has no intention of pardoning Polanski.

"It doesn't matter if you are a big-time movie actor or a big-time movie director or producer," Schwarzenegger, who as governor has the power to grant clemency to Polanski, said in a CNN interview Thursday. "I think that he is a very respected person, and I am a big admirer of his work. But nevertheless, I think he should be treated like everyone else. ... One should look into all of the allegations, not only his allegations but the allegations about his case. Was there something done wrong? You know, was injustice done in the case?"