New Bulgarian UNESCO Head Slams Polanski Arrest

A man showing a "Free Polanski" sticker is waiting for the Filmfestival in Zurich, Switzerland, 27 September 2009. Photo by EPA/BGNES

New UNESCO chief Irina Bokova of Bulgaria has rallied to the defence of Roman Polanski on Sunday, calling his arrest "shocking".

"Even though I am not aware of any details, this is shocking," Bokova said in interview for TV5Monde television, adding that Polanski is "a world renowned intellectual".

Asked whether she would call for his release, Bokova explained that she has not yet come officially into office as UNESCO Director General, which is expected to happen in October.

"Still this is not fair, this is certainly not fair," she added.

The prominent film director, Roman Polanski was detained on a 31-year-old US arrest warrant.

Polanski, 76, was taken into custody Saturday as he traveled from France to Zurich to receive a lifetime achievement award at the Zurich Film Festival.

In 1978 Polanski fled the US after pleading guilty to rape charges. His was indicted on six counts for having sex with a 13-year-old girl in 1977 and was facing live behind bars.

Polanski never returned to the US and even his 2002 Oscar for directing The Pianist was collected by Harrison Ford.

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