Malka Leifer – Court decision

The Australian Government welcomes the decision in Israel that Malka Leifer is fit to stand trial and be extradited to Australia.

Attorney-General, Christian Porter, said this was positive news.

“Whilst today’s decision can be appealed, it is a positive sign and means that formal extradition proceedings can now lawfully commence, subject to any orders relevant to any possible appeal,” Attorney-General, Christian Porter, said.

“The allegations against Ms Leifer are very serious and the Australian Government remains strongly committed to ensuring that justice is served in this case. To achieve that, it is appropriate and remains the Government’s strong view that Ms Leifer is ultimately extradited to stand trial in Australia on the 74 counts of child sexual abuse against her and I travelled to Israel last year to make that case to Israel’s Attorney-General.

“At this time, the thoughts of the Australian Government are very much with alleged victims and hopefully this positive development will give them some confidence that proceedings in Israel are moving towards their aim of seeing proceedings commence in Australia within the Australian justice system.”

The Attorney-General said he respected Israel’s judicial processes and that, given today’s judgement could be the subject of an appeal, it would not be appropriate to comment further.

/Public Release. View in full here.