Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has made a direct plea to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure an ex-Melbourne principal and accused paedophile is returned to Australia to face justice.
Mr Andrews’ intervention follows widespread community anger on Thursday after Malka Leifer – who fled for Israel in 2008 after being accused of abusing students at Melbourne’s ultra-Orthodox Adass Israel school – was released from custody and placed under house arrest.
In a letter to Mr Netanyahu, Mr Andrews reinforced his view that Ms Leifer must be extradited, in order to face the scrutiny of the criminal justice system in 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.”
Mr Andrews met personally with Mr Netanyahu last year, telling him the only just outcome was for Ms Leifer to face a jury of her peers.
Victoria Police want to extradite Ms Leifer to face 74 charges of rape and child sex abuse.
Read the article by Rob Harris and Erin Pearson in The Sydney Morning Herald.