Malka Leifer to face Melbourne court on Thursday after extradition from Israel

A former principal has arrived in Melbourne after being extradited from Israel to face trial on 74 counts of child sexual abuse.

A former Melbourne principal who was extradited from Israel to face child abuse charges on Tuesday has arrived in Melbourne ahead of her court appearance.

Malka Leifer fled Australia in 2008 after three sisters alleged she had sexually abused them at the Adass Israel religious school in Melbourne.

The 54-year-old arrived at Melbourne Airport late on Wednesday evening, according to a statement released by Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne. Leifer will face Melbourne Magistrates Court for a filing hearing on Thursday, the court confirmed.

Police move into place to take Malka Leifer into custody - the culmination of 13 years work from advocates, police and politicians - a significant milestone for law enforcement and accountability. She now faces the allegations against her in court tomorrow @theage pic.twitter.com/bHwGQLJnrh

— David Estcourt (@davidestcourt) January 27, 2021

Breaking: Malka Leifer en route to Tullamarine. Police are out on the tarmac waiting to take her into custody @theage pic.twitter.com/EKYAZ6AyFN

— David Estcourt (@davidestcourt) January 27, 2021

Attorney-General Christian Porter said this finally concluded the long-running process to extradite Leifer.

The hearing will be the first time charges against her are heard in court. “Ms Leifer will stand trial in Victoria on 74 counts of child sexual abuse,” said Mr Porter. “These are extremely serious charges and now that Ms Leifer has been extradited to Australia, those charges can now be tested by the courts in Victoria.”

He said her return marked the end of a “long and complicated extradition” and her arrival would “bring relief to alleged victims who have waited many years for this moment”, thanking the Israeli government for its cooperation.

A former Melbourne principal who was extradited from Israel is expected to face child abuse charges in court on Thursday. Picture: Ynet News.

Ms Payne said those involved in the campaign to have charges against Leifer heard in Australia had “shown enormous patience and resolve” and said her thoughts were with them “as we reach a critical step in this legal process”.

Leifer will face the court via weblink, and is expected to be held in quarantine under police surveillance.

The former teacher fought against extradition for years before she was finally made to board a plane this week.