Malka Leifer: Hearing #52
The Jerusalem District Court has heard discussion regarding witnesses and evidence in the extradition trial of Malka Leifer who is wanted by the Victorian authorities to face 74 charges of child sexual abuse.
Malka Leifer in court June 14, 2018 Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS
The Prosecution has until tomorrow to decide if they agree to simply accept written testimony from the defence witnesses thought to be three or whether they also want to cross-examine them. If the prosecution agrees not to cross-examine the witnesses, the prosecution will have 30 days to make a concluding submission. Subsequently, the defence will also be given 30 days to respond and submit a concluding submission of their own. Soon after, a court hearing will be set for the decision. If, however, the prosecution would like to cross-examine the defence witnesses, a separate hearing for this will need to be scheduled at which the concluding submissions process will commence.
Child sexual abuse advocate Manny Waks said: “Today’s hearing, number 52 in total, was symptomatic of what we have witnessed to date: chaotic scenes inside the court-room, mainly by the Defence lawyers, only this time the judge was clearly frustrated and repeatedly attempted to regain control of the situation, with mixed results.
However, it’s encouraging to hear that we’re finally getting to the concluding arguments and that a decision regarding Leifer’s fitness to face justice is not too far away.
Of course, with what we’ve seen to date in this case, there’s still a major concern of unexpected developments, especially as we have repeatedly witnessed prominent leaders from the ultra-Orthodox community lining up to assist Leifer, including allegedly Israel’s Deputy Health Minister, Rabbi Yaakov Litzman.
We continue to stand with Leifer’s alleged victims, and to do everything that we can to ensure justice prevails.”
Survivor Dassi Erlich posted on Facebook: “There are 3 witnesses for the defence – Leifer’s brother, sister and a neighbour.
Today, the judge ruled that if the prosecution decides not to cross-examine these witnesses but allow their written testimonies to be submitted it does not mean that the prosecution agrees to this content.
The prosecution must make a decision by tomorrow either way.”
This situation is a blight on the Israeli justice system.
It is beyond the point of ridiculous !
She shoud be returned to Australia to stand trial along with all those in Australia that facilitated her flight from justice.