The Jerusalem District Court has accepted a unanimous decision by a psychiatric panel that former Melbourne school principal and alleged child sex abuser Malka Leifer is fit to face an extradition trial.
Tuesday’s ruling has been welcomed by Australian Attorney-General Christian Porter and sisters Dassi Erlich, Nicole Meyer and Elly Sapper who first filed police complaints against Leifer in 2011.
The sisters’ statements totalled 74 charges of rape and child abuse stemming from her time as principal of Melbourne’s Ultra-Orthodox Adass Israel School.
Leifer’s defence has constantly engaged in a campaign to prevent Leifer from facing an extradition trial.
Ms Erlich, who wrote to her supporters on Facebook as soon as Tuesday’s decision was announced, was overwhelmed by the ruling.
“Too many emotions to process!!! This is huge!,” she exclaimed.
“This abusive woman has been exploiting the Israeli courts for 6 years! Intentionally creating obstacles with endless vexatious arguments that have only lengthened our ongoing trauma!”
Leifer’s defence is expected to appeal the court’s decision, meaning the case would then move to the Jerusalem High Court.
If the High Court accepts the District Court’s ruling that Leifer is fit to face trial the extradition hearing will finally take place.
Mr Porter said the Australian government welcomed the ruling and hoped it gave the alleged victims confidence proceedings would move to Australia.
Read the article by Tessa Fox in The Standard.