MARK DREYFUS
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
MALKA LEIFER
Labor welcomes the Israeli court decision that Malka Leifer is mentally fit to be extradited to Australia.
While there are still a number of legal hurdles remaining, this decision is a tribute to the courage of Dassi Erlich, Nicole Meyer and Elly Sapper in their long pursuit of justice.
This decision is long overdue. Its now been 12 years since Ms Leifer fled Australia to avoid charges of child sex abuse.
Rather than stand trial in Melbourne for the crimes she is accused of Malka Leifer fled from accountability, she fled from justice and 12 years later, she remains in Israel, a fugitive from justice to this day.
Australia first requested the extradition of Malka Leifer in 2014 and it has taken six years and 67 court hearings to determine that she is fit to return to Australia and stand trial.
The ongoing anxiety and stress these delays caused to those she is accused of abusing demonstrate the truth of the legal maximum 'justice delayed is justice denied'.
We now urge Israel to bring an end to pain and suffering caused by this saga, and ensure Ms Leifer is extradited to Australia to face trial for her alleged crimes.
WEDNESDAY, 27 MAY 2020
