Former principal Malka Leifer facing extradition to Australia
After fighting extradition attempts for five years, former Melbourne principal Malka Leifer could finally be forced to return to Australia, where she is expected to face 74 child sex charges.
VIC News
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Fugitive school principal Malka Leifer could finally be extradited to Melbourne to face dozens of child sex abuse charges.
Leifer has been on the run from authorities since leaving Australia in 2008 and has been fighting attempts to extradite her from Israel for more than five years.
She has resisted the extradition bid arguing she is too mentally unwell to face extradition proceedings.
But now a psychiatric panel has reportedly decided that she has been faking her illness and is fit to stand trial.
The decision is expected to be formally announced by the Jewish District Court next week, clearing the way for Leifer’s extradition.
The mother of eight is accused of molesting 10 girls while principal of the ultra orthodox Jewish Adass Israel School in Elsternwick and is expected to be charged with 74 child sex offences if she returns to Melbourne.
She fled to Israel, with the help of school officials, after allegations were first levelled at her in 2008.
Members of Victoria’s ultra orthodox Jewish community were accused of helping to fund Leifer’s life on the run.
In 2015 the Supreme Court of Victoria awarded one of Leifer’s alleged victims $1 million in damages over the abuse.
Leifer did not contest the civil suit brought against her.
The windfall was believed to be the single biggest payout to a Victorian victim of child sexual abuse.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Jack Rush described Ms Leifer’s breach of trust as “monstrous” and ordered she personally pay $150,000 in damages to the former student.
“The evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that the conduct of Leifer was committed in circumstances of contumelious disregard of the plaintiff,” he said.
“I have described Leifer’s conduct previously as a massive breach of trust, yet this description does not adequately set out the destructive and evil nature of her sexual abuse of the plaintiff.
“The evidence discloses the sole motivation of Leifer in her dealings with the plaintiff was her own sexual gratification.
“Leifer used her position of power and authority within the school to manipulate the plaintiff’s sense of vulnerability.”
One of Leifer’s alleged victims, Dassi Erlich, welcomed the panel’s decision in an online post.
“We cannot believe this day has come!!! Incredible news!! We knew this all along! Such a long wait! Justice has come!!” she said.
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Manny Waks, who heads global child sexual abuse support network Kol V’Oz, described the latest development as “monumental”.
“It seems that finally justice will prevail,” Mr Waks said.
“We will continue to do all that we can to ensure Leifer is put on a plane back to Australia as soon as possible so that she can stand trial for the 74 charges of rape and sexual assault against the three sisters.”