Former Melbourne teacher Malka Leifer, who is wanted in Australia over 74 child abuse charges, will remain in jail after a judge raised fears she may flee Israel.
The Jerusalem Supreme Court reserved its decision on an appeal against an earlier ruling to grant Leifer bail to her sister’s home in Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv.
In a hearing that finished early Friday Australian time, Judge Anat Baron questioned defence claims that there was not enough evidence to keep Leifer in custody.
“This is not about reasonable doubt, this is not what this procedure is about,” Judge Baron said.
“The suspect already escaped the Australian justice system which raises fears she will flee again if released today.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews wrote to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that Ms Leifer had to be extradited to Australia.
“This latest decision defies explanation,” Mr Andrews wrote.
“I am hopeful that in writing to you, the Israeli justice system can move quickly to right this wrong. Victims and their families deserve nothing less.”
The Premier has also spoken to Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs director general Yuval Rotem within the last 24 hours.
Read the article by Stephen Drill, Alex White and Tom Minear in the Herald Sun.