Malka Leifer: hearings 64 and 65
The long legal battle to secure the extradition of Malka Leifer from Israel to Melbourne to face 74 charges of child sexual abuse has moved forward with the defence lawyers cross-examine three psychiatrists who have furnished a report stating that the former principal is fit to attend court.
Manny Waks and Nicole Meyer
Child sex abuse advocate Manny Waks in court with one of Leifer’s alleged victims Nicole Meyer who had flown from Melbourne to be present at the hearings on consecutive days this week,
Malka Leifer was not in court and remains in prison.
Waks translated the proceedings for Nicole in which two psychiatrists on the latest assessment panel were cross-examined at Wednesday’s hearing, and at Thursday’s hearing, the third and final psychiatrist was cross-examined.
Judge Chana Lomp has instructed Leifer’s Defence to make a written submission as soon as possible regarding their request to cross-examine additional witnesses (they have indicated they wish to cross-examine some of the Defence’s psychiatrists who have previously provided evidence). Judge Lomp also agreed to accept the delayed report by one of the Defence’s additional witnesses, requesting it by 3 March. The Prosecution will then have until 5 March to advise the court whether it wishes to cross-examine the two Defence witnesses – if this will occur, 12 March has been set aside. 17 and 18 March have also been noted as days for all parties to diarise.
Nicole Meyer commented: “I feel it was very important for me to be present at these hearings, and I’m glad I came, despite the difficulties. I plan to come for as many more hearings as possible until Leifer is sent back to Australia.
Being in court is challenging. Not having a direct voice in the courtroom, and not understanding the language, has added to the complexity of my experience. But I’m grateful for the support and assistance I’ve received from so many, especially from those who have personally attended the lengthy hearings.
We hope that the process will now be expedited, and that we’ll see a positive outcome shortly.”
Manny Waks added: “It was challenging to sit in the courtroom for such lengthy periods listening to Leifer’s Defence try to undermine the credibility of the latest psychiatric panel, who unanimously and unequivocally found that Leifer has been faking her illness and is fit to face justice.
I felt proud and privileged to sit beside the courageous Nicole and to update her courageous sisters, who were waiting desperately in Melbourne for developments, as they have over the past 60 plus hearings, on what was happening in the courtroom.
We hope that Judge Lomp won’t allow any additional witnesses, so that this case can finally be resolved.
I maintain my confidence that justice will ultimately prevail, and we’ll continue to do everything we can to ensure this indeed happens as soon as possible. In the meantime, we continue to stand with Nicole, Dassi & Elly.”
