The recent media attention to Roman Polanski’s arrest has made me wonder whether it is right to be punished, if we are forgiven. I would like to point out that I am in support of his arrest and do think that he should be punished for his crime. However, as with most things, the whole thing may have a grey area.

 In two separate interviews, Samantha Gailey (Polanski’s victim) has suggested she has forgiven him. In 2003 she said, “He made a terrible mistake but he’s paid for it” and again in 2008 she said “I don’t think he needs to be locked up forever”. I think these two quotes prompt a difficult question; if the victim of such a horrific attack can forgive her attacker, should we do the same?

  It would seem fair that the victim of the attack would get to choose his or her attackers punishment. However on the flipside to Gailey’s comments, what if a victim chose a punishment that was clearly out of proportion to the crime? Say death sentence for some one who stole a purse? Whilst some people can show compassion for those who have wronged them, a great deal of people would not react in the same way. Whilst I accept that there are acceptations, I do believe that when you have an attachment to the crime it is much harder to see the big picture clearly, which is where a court of law comes into play.

   But then, if Polanski is taken back to America to stand trial, what effect will this have on the Gailey? She has already stated she wants to get on with her life and yet if he stands trial the media attention on her alone will prevent this from happening. There is no denying this, Roman Polanski has had an incredible career before and after the incident, and so the attention on his victim would be huge. But even if she hadn’t said this, would it be fair to drag her through the mess again?

Whilst, I agree that Polanski should be punished for his crime, I also believe this punishment should be just and fair for both parties. However as I have stated, if Polanski stands trial now the media attention would not be fair on Gailey, but if he does not stand trial he will not be punished for fleeing in the first place.