Timeline: Roman Polanski arrest

Director Roman Polanski was detained by Swiss authorities on 26 September after travelling to Zurich to attend a film festival.

The 76-year-old, who is wanted in the US on decades-old sex charges, appears to have won his battle to be freed on bail from a Swiss jail.

Here is a chronology of events and developments following the veteran film-maker's arrest.

Saturday, 27 September

The world learns of Polanski's arrest when organisers of the Zurich Film Festival issue a press release saying he will be unable to collect his lifetime achievement award.

Their statement expresses "shock and dismay" at the director's detention, but states that a planned retrospective of the director's work will go ahead.

Roman Polanski in Swiss detention

Monday, 28 September

Dismay is expressed over Polanski's arrest, with Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein among those speaking out.

France's foreign minister Bernard Kouchner says the detention of the film-maker - a French citizen - is a "bit sinister".

Outcry over Polanski's detention

Tuesday, 29 September

US prosecutors dispute claims Polanski's arrest came out of the blue, saying he had been on a "wanted list" for years.

Meanwhile, it is confirmed that the director has been allowed to meet his wife, French actress Emmanuelle Seigner, as well as lawyers.

Polanski capture 'always planned'

Wednesday, 30 September

The French government drops its public support for Polanski after a backlash against calls for his release.

French drop Polanski release call

Thursday, 1 October

A former prosecutor admits a story he told a film crew about original trial was untrue.

In a 2008 documentary, David Wells said the judge took his advice to give Polanski additional prison time.

The film-maker's lawyers later argued this was constituted misconduct, and used it as the basis for their bid to dismiss the entire case against him.

Ex-prosecutor lied about Polanski

Friday, 2 October

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger says Polanski should not get special treatment.

"I think that he is a very respected person and I am a big admirer of his work," said the former actor.

"But, nevertheless, I think he should be treated like everyone else."

Arnie wades into Polanski debate

Tuesday, 6 October

The Swiss Ministry of Justice reveals Polanski has been denied bail.

Switzerland denies Polanski bail

Saturday, 17 October

Polanski's lawyer reveals the director has been moved from prison for medical tests.

Polanski moved for medical tests

Tuesday, 20 October

Polanski loses an appeal to be released on bail after Switzerland's highest criminal court backs the government's earlier government ruling.

"The court considered the risk that Roman Polanski might flee if released from custody as high," the Federal Criminal Court of Switzerland says in its statement.

The director's lawyers say they intend to take the case to the Swiss Supreme Court - the country's highest tribunal.

Polanski appeal for bail rejected

Wednesday, 21 October

Swiss authorities admit they tipped off their US counterparts about Polanski's movements, after the Associated Press news agency uncovers email communications between the two countries.

Swiss 'tipped off US' on Polanski

Thursday, 22 October

The Swiss say they acted correctly in informing the US that Polanski was travelling to Zurich.

Swiss Justice Ministry spokesman Folco Galli said Switzerland was obliged to act after getting confirmation that his US arrest warrant was still valid.

Swiss admit US Polanski tip-off

Friday, 23 October

The US formally asks Switzerland to extradite Polanski on sex charges.

US asks for Polanski extradition

Monday, 26 October

Polanski's victim calls for charges against the film director to be dismissed.

Lawyers for Samantha Geimer, who was 13 when Polanski had unlawful sex with her in 1977, urged a dismissal in a motion filed at a California appeals court.

Polanski victim seeks dismissal

Wednesday, 25 November

A Swiss court accepts Polanski's plea to be freed on bail.

It is thought Polanski will remain in jail until the Swiss Justice Ministry decides whether to appeal against the ruling.

Roman Polanski is granted bail by a Swiss court

Wednesday, 2 December

The Swiss justice ministry announced that Polanksi would be moved from prison and placed under house arrest at his chalet in the resort of Gstaad.

They said he would be fitted with an electronic bracelet which would be activated if he tried to abscond.

Roman Polanski is granted bail by a Swiss court

Friday, 4 December

Polanski is transferred to his Swiss home and begins his house arrest. His wife and two children are waiting for him when he arrives.

House arrest begins for Polanksi