Swiss court grants Roman Polanski bail

The Polish-born filmmaker faces up to two years in a U.S. prison if he is extradited, but if he does not agree to go voluntarily, the process could take many months or even years.

In October, the court rejected a previous bail application, saying there was a risk he might flee. The court quoted Polanski's lawyer as saying longer detention could lead to a financial loss and damages claims against him if the director was unable to finish his new movie "The Ghost," due for its premiere at the Berlin film festival in February.

His arrest led to a political storm in France after Culture Minister Frederic Mitterrand and prominent artists sprang to his defense.

Polanski's films include "The Pianist" in 2002 for which he won an Academy Award, "Rosemary's Baby," "Repulsion" and "Knife in the Water."