Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has written to Israel’s prime minister imploring him to return a former school principal accused of sexually abusing students to Australia to face justice.
Malka Leifer faces 74 charges of sexually assaulting female students during her time at Melbourne’s ultra-orthodox Adass Israel school.
The 52-year-old fled to Israel in 2008 after the allegations first emerged and on Wednesday she was released from custody and placed under house arrest.
“This latest decision defies explanation,” Mr Andrews wrote in the letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.
“I am hopeful that in writing to you, the Israeli justice system can move quickly to right this wrong. Victims and their families deserve nothing less.”
Mr Andrews, who met with Mr Netanyahu in Israel in 2017, reiterated his view that Ms Leifer must be extradited “in order to face the scrutiny of the criminal justice system in Australia”.
Federal Attorney-General Christian Porter said he would travel to Israel in the coming months to raise the matter “personally and directly” with his counterpart.
“Given our request was made in 2013, the length of time that Israel is taking to finalise Australia’s extradition request is regrettable,” Mr Porter said in a statement.
“Ms Leifer is facing very serious criminal charges – it would be better for all involved that these charges are resolved.”
Alleged victim Dassi Erlich described the bail ruling as a “massive betrayal of justice”.
“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,” she said in a statement to AAP.
Prosecutors have until Friday (local time) to appeal the bail decision made by Judge Rom Vinograd in the Jerusalem District Court.
Leifer’s bail conditions include staying with an appointed family member, reporting to police, and attending a medical facility for treatment.
-AAP
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