Malka Leifer’s ‘last-ditch’ hearing in Israeli Supreme Court over extradition to Australia
9News Europe Correspondent Ben Avery mentioned the Thursday listening to was “primarily a last-ditch try and strive keep away from being despatched again to Melbourne”, the place she would face prices.
Leifer is accused of 74 prices of rape and little one intercourse abuse — acts allegedly dedicated in opposition to her college students on the Adass Israel College in Melbourne’s interior southeast greater than a decade in the past.
Leifer didn’t seem at this newest listening to, remaining in custody after she mentioned she was sick. Her household attended, watching as Leifer’s attorneys made their remaining arguments.
“They’re primarily saying that she shouldn’t be despatched again to Australia; they’ve pointed to a variety of technicalities within the extradition treaty between Australia and Israel,” Avery mentioned.
“These advocating for the alleged victims of Malka Leifer are saying that they suppose issues went very properly for them right now.”
“To be completely trustworthy, it was a landslide victory for the prosecution,” sufferer’s advocate Manny Waks advised 9News after the listening to.
“The prosecution had all of the solutions whereas the defence appeared in full disarray and have been clutching at straws.”
“We really feel that we have argued these factors very clearly … and we’re hoping for a optimistic end result.”
The courtroom’s choice is predicted to be introduced in coming days — however Avery identified that even when Leifer does lose the attraction, she has a variety of avenues left.
Israel’s justice minister must log out on the extradition, after which Leifer’s defence staff might be able to apply for judicial overview.
If she does return and is discovered responsible, Avery mentioned Leifer’s attorneys are anticipated to combat for her to serve her jail sentence in Israel.
“[There’s] much more but to play out,” he mentioned.
