Roman Polanski Controversy - Hiding Via the Internationl Experience
The recent arrest of film director Roman Polanski has ignited a fiery debate among other artists various media outlets. Polanksi, who might not accurately be described as an expat, has lived such an international lifestyle that it is worthy of of mention in our blog. While he was born in Paris, his family moved back to Poland in 1936. Following, the Nazi invasion, he escaped the Krakow ghetto in 1943. His mother died in Auschwitz, and his father survived the Mauthausen-Gusen concentration camp. He eventually lived in London, Los Angeles and elsewhere in Europe. In short, he was well versed with crossing international borders and he jumped when it became clear he was going to be held accountable for his actions.
One of the reasons that I find it relevant is the fact that Polanski is not the only individual, obviously, who moved to a foreign country following the commitment or conviction of a serious crime. Last month we posted this request by U.K. officials for the help of British expats in securing the arrest and conviction of criminals in Spain. I often wonder how many expats have come across a fellow countryman (or woman) who is hiding from the authorities.
And don’t miss Chris Rock’s comedic diatribe aimed at the people that defend Polanski’s actions (From E! Online).