Malka Leifer bailed and faces house arrest
In a Jerusalem court, Judge Rom Vinograd has ruled that Malka Leifer will be released to house arrest in B’nei B’rak.
Malka Leifer in court June 14 Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS
The prosecution has until Friday at 10am to advise the Court whether they would like to appeal the decision.
Leifer has been incarcerated while her lawyers have successfully delayed an extradition hearing. Australian authorities want her sent back to Melbourne where she faces 74 charges of child sexual abuse.
Child sexual abuse advocate Manny Waks said: “Malka Leifer will now be released to the care of her sister at an address within around 500 meters of two schools and six synagogues.
If Leifer is genuinely unwell, she should be held in a medical facility or jail where she can be appropriately cared for until her extradition to Australia is approved.
This decision is an absolute travesty and continues to bring shame on the State of Israel.
My heart goes out to Leifer’s victims at this incredibly difficult time.”
One of Leifer’s alleged victims, Nicole Meyer, said the following:”I am deeply shocked and astounded that someone who is well enough to house arrest isn’t well enough to go pot a plane. I am hurt by the State of Israel”
Her sister Dassi Erlich is alsoa=n alleged victim. She said: “I can’t believe I am writing these words.
LEIFER HAS BEEN GRANTED BAIL
Given that we are all aware that Leifer is a flight risk as well as the potential of her reoffending, this blatant disregard for the wellbeing of the Israeli community is outstanding.
What message does this send to other potential victims?
The court system is overly bureaucratic and vulnerable to exploitation from well-funded parties.
The news is intolerable and has left as reeling. We need time to process this massive betrayal of justice, therefore we will not be making any further media statements at this time.”
Jeremy Leibler, President of the Zionist Federation of Australiasaid, “we are outraged by the latest development. With all that we know, and all that’s happened already, it’s beyond belief that the court would grant bail, especially given the most recent allegations that Leifer still presents a threat to those around her. We stand in solidarity with the survivors of her abuse, and hope that this decision will be overturned on appeal.
Israel’s judicial system is being seen as a laughing stock by Australians.