Leifer hearings go in reverse
In the Jerusalem District Court Judge Chana Lomp has accepted the request by Malka Leifer’s legal team to allow them to bring two of the psychiatrists that they previously brought in testify on Leifer’s behalf in order to hear their views on the most recent psychiatric panel’s decision.
Malka Leifer in court June 14, 2018 Photo: Hillel Maeir/TPS
Leifer’s lawyers are fighting her extradition to Australia where she faces 74 charges of child sexual abuse.
The psychiatrists’ panel agreed that Leifer is faking her illness and that she is in fact fit to face justice. These additional cross-examinations will transpire on 12 March.
Dassi Erlich, Nicole Meyer and Elly Sapper are three sisters who are alleged victims of Leifer when she was the principal of the Addas Yisroel school in Melbourne.
They said in a statement:
“We have been patient. We have been calm. We have tried to trust the Israeli court system and understand this takes time.
But when we go backwards and repeat a process that has already been endlessly delayed we have had enough!!
In an unprecedented move, Judge Lomp has ruled that the defence can bring two of their psychiatrists, who have already testified, to give their opinion on a panel that she requested to make a final decision!!
This panel unanimously decided Leifer is faking on Sept 23, 2019, Can anybody see the sense in this???
Child sexual abuse advocate Manny Waks commented: “This unprecedented decision continues to make a mockery of the Israeli legal system. Judge Lomp herself appointed this latest psychiatric panel, which has made a unanimous, unequivocal decision; that Leifer is faking her illness and that she is in fact fit to face justice.
Why on earth does Judge Lomp need to hear from these psychiatrists again? Why is there a need to continue to delay this prolonged farcical case?
After the police recommendation to indict Health Minister Yaakov Litzman for allegedly interfering in this sordid case, we can only hope that there is no external influence involved in this decision. But with what we have witnessed to date, absolutely anything is possible. However, this is a new low in this case.
We continue to stand with the courageous victims and will do everything we can to ensure justice ultimately prevails.”
The Israeli legal system seems to have a serious problem taking child sexual abuse seriously. This is not the only case to raise significant questions about the priorities of Israeli justice. very upsetting.