GENEVA (AP) - The Swiss Justice Ministry says it has rejected another appeal by Roman Polanski to be released from prison because of the high risk he would flee the country.

Ministry spokesman Folco Galli told The Associated Press that Polanski's request was received earlier this week.

He said Polanski made a "high bail" offer, but one that didn't allay fears he would flee justice.

The 76-year-old filmmaker has been in Swiss custody since his arrest last month as he arrived in Zurich to receive an award from a film festival.

He is fighting extradition to the U.S. for having sex in 1977 with a 13-year-old girl.