Melbourne sex-charge teacher Malka Leifer gets bail
Former Melbourne teacher Malka Leifer has been granted bail in an “appalling decision”, as outraged victims’ groups say they fear she will go on the run to escape justice.
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Melbourne sex charge teacher Malka Leifer has been granted bail in an “appalling decision”, as angry victims’ groups say they fear she will go on the run to escape justice.
Leifer was ordered to be released in Israel in 48 hours’ time as she fights extradition to Australia on 74 child sex charges during her time at the ultra orthodox Addas Israel school in Melbourne’s Elsternwick.
Prosecutors have until Friday evening (Australian time) to appeal the decision or she will walk free.
She remains in custody tonight.
The Jerusalem District Court ordered Leifer to stay in her sister’s home in the city of Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv.
Judge Ram Winograd said that in light of Judge Miriam Lomp’s decision in a previous hearing, the prosecution did not have the burden of proof necessary to keep Leifer in custody.
Manny Waks, of victims’ rights group Kol v’Oz, said the “court decision today is an appalling one.”
“Malka Leifer needs to remain in prison, the only alternative is for her to remain full time in a medical facility where she can receive the best care that she can in order that she will eventually become well enough to face justice,” he said outside court.
“That is what we need to see, justice for the brave, courageous girls who have gone through extreme hell to reach this day.”
Mr Waks also said that he was concerned children in Israel were unsafe because Leifer was on the streets.
Shana Aaronson, of Jewish Community Watch, said outside court: “I don’t think I have any words at this point.
“It’s horrifying and incredibly disappointing after the amount of effort and emotional energy that has gone into this that there is a possibility that she could run.”
Leifer’s defence lawyer Yehuda Fried, said that the former teacher needed treatment.
“In the end, Ms Leifer will return to her home, receiving the treatment she deserves like any other sick woman,” he said.
Prosecutors did not comment outside court.
Leifer fled Australia in 2008 and had claimed that she was too ill to face court.
An undercover sting revealed she was living a normal life in Emmanuel, Israel and she was arrested and ordered to face trial.
There have been more than 50 hearing dates in the case.
stephen.drill@news.co.uk
Originally published as Melbourne sex-charge teacher Malka Leifer gets bail