Switzerland’s decision to reject a US extradition request for director Roman Polanski may have shown that legal principles are paramount here but also left the impression that the rich and famous enjoy special privileges, Swiss newspapers opined Tuesday.
Long known for the low tax rates it offers the super-wealthy, Switzerland set a remarkable legal precedent, as authorities broke with tradition by analysing far more than the formalities of the American request.
The US has said it was “disappointed” by a Swiss decision to free Roman Polanski and vowed to keep seeking “justice” against the director wanted on underage sex charges.
“We are disappointed by it,” state department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters. “The rape of a 13-year-old girl by an adult who should know better and does know better is a crime,” he said.
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MJ memorabilia stolen from Kyoto store
Kyoto: Memorabilia from Michael Jackson’s concert tours were stolen from a special sales event at a department store in Kyoto, investigative sources said on Tuesday.
The Daimaru department store said it found on July 8 and 9 that nine items worth about 1,69,000 yen were missing. The missing goods include a pamphlet signed by Jackson’s concert tour staff and a limited-edition gold disc, it said.
The Kyoto prefectural police is investigating the case. The department store held the sales event from late June, offering about 1,000 products related to the legendary American musical artist, who died in June 2009, including his autograph for 4,00,000 yen.
Customers were able to freely touch the items.
—Kyodo
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Santana,Cindy get engaged
Los Angeles: Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana is now an engaged man after proposing to rock drummer Cindy Blackman.
Four songs into his July 9 concert in Illinois and the 62-year-old guitarist popped the question to Blackman, 12 years younger to him, as fans cheered on the newly engaged couple, Us magazine reported.
“Cindy and I are blessed to have found each other. Being in love is a gift from the universe, and the spirit and vibrations that come with it are infinitely powerful,” Santana said.
“I look forward to expressing that incredible energy through my music,” Santana added.
—PTI