Leifer: another psychiatrist testifies to her being unable to be extradited
The hearing to extradite accused child sexual abuser Malka Leifer has been told by yet another defence psychiatrist that the former Melbourne school principal is unfit to be extradited.
Malka Leifer in court June 14 Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS
Leifer was principal pf the Addas Israel girl’s school in Melbourne and is facing 74 charges of sexual abuse.
The Jerusalem District Court heard evidence from psychiatrist Sam Tyano testifying to Leifer’s mental fitness to face extradition.
AAP reports “Dr Tyano stirred controversy in 2011 after claiming in a book on mental health that homosexuality is a symptom of an emotional disorder and psychotherapy is the cure.
In 2017, when father Nadav Sela killed his wife and two children in Israel, Dr Tyano testified Sela was instructed by God to murder them.”
Dr Tyano’s testimony to the court will help decide whether Leifer is fit to be extradited to Australia to face 74 charges of rape and child sex abuse.
Sisters Elly Sapper, Dassi Erlich and Nicole Meyer have been at the forefront of the battle to see Leifer returned to Australia.
Dassi Erlich posted on Facebook: “Dr Tiano took the stand in a Jerusalem district court today. It was a closed court so we can not report on the proceedings.
Another hearing, another psychiatrist, 49 court dates! How many more questionable characters will take the stand in defence of Malka Leifer?
When will it be our turn to have our voice heard? Next psychiatrist for cross-examination on the 15th of April.”
There is much to wonder about in this case. It seems that every possible impediment to the extradition of Malka Leifer to face the charges against her in Melbourne is being utilised. It is truly a sorry state of affairs and, in the name of justice, should not be allowed to continue.
I was a Psychiatry trainee under Dr Tyano at Geha Hospital in Petach Tikva between 1985 and 1988. He must have been at least in his mid 40s, if not older, at that time. He was always a colourful character.
A little arithmetic reveals he must at least be in his mid 70s now, presumably in retirement. One has to wonder at the appropriateness of his appearance in a high profile case such as this.