Malka Leifer appeal against extradition heard

December 4, 2020 by J-Wire Newsdesk

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In Israel’s Supreme Court a panel of judges has heard the oral appeal by Malka Leifer’s defence regarding the Jerusalem’s District Court’s decision to extradite Leifer to Australia to face 74 charges of child sexual abuse.

Malka Leifer, a former school principal, who is wanted on 74 charges of sexual abuse in Melbourne, Australia, is led out of the Jerusalem District Court. Jerusalem, Jun 14, 2018. Photo by Hillel Maeir/TPS

The three complainants are the Melbourne sisters Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper.

Child sexual abuse advocate Manny Waks said: “In the Supreme Court’s most recent ruling relating to Leifer’s mental fitness, the same three-panel of judges who presided at the appeal said that proceedings had dragged out ‘much beyond what is reasonable’.

As I’ve repeatedly stated, it’s been clear to practically everyone following this case – including countless experts – that Leifer has taken the Israeli judicial system for a major ride. It’s time for this charade to finally end.

With Leifer’s legal avenues practically exhausted, we hope and expect that we now see her swiftly sent back to Australia where she will face her accusers.

Once that has occurred, we repeat our call for a full review to take place in Israel to find out why this particular case has dragged out so long and whether allegations of political interference are substantiated.

“It’s important to note the sudden resignation of Leifer’s long-standing and prominent legal defence team, which seemingly expects the Supreme Court to uphold the District Court’s decision to extradite Leifer to Australia to belatedly face justice.

“Again, we commend and continue to fully support Leifer’s courageous victims, Nicole, Dassi and Elly.”

Waks said that there have been instances of victim-blaming both on yesterday’s appeal and on previous occasions. He told media: “If there is any suggestion that any of these girls consented to have some sort of sexual contact with their then school principal is unacceptable.”

The Minister for Justice will have to sign the extradition order if the appeal process fails.

The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the hearing in Israel’s Supreme Court and expresses hope this is the last hearing before the judges hand down a final decision to send her home.

ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “The brave survivors of Malka Leifer’s alleged abuse have had their search for justice extended innumerable years by the legal tricks of Leifer and her defence team, but it has finally come down to this last appeal. We stand by the brave survivors and their demands that Leifer faces justice in Australia. It is more than time to bring Leifer back.”

Leifer was not in court.

The decision is pending.

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