Malka Leifer granted bail in Israel as she fights extradition to Australia

A former Melbourne school principal facing allegations of child sex abuse has been released from custody in Israel.

Malka Leifer at a hearing at the Jerusalem District Court in 2019

Malka Leifer at a hearing at the Jerusalem District Court in 2019 Source: Getty

Former Melbourne school principal Malka Leifer, who is accused of sexually abusing female students, has been released from custody in Israel.

Leifer appeared before the Jerusalem District Court on Wednesday and Judge Rom Vinograd released her to house arrest in B'nei B'rak, abuse survivor advocate Manny Waks said.

There has been a lengthy legal argument over Leifer's fitness to be extradited to Australia to face criminal charges.

Malka Leifer appears in court.
Malka Leifer appears in court. Source: AAP


"Malka Leifer will now be released to the care of her sister at an address within around 500 metres of two schools and six synagogues," Mr Waks said.

"If Leifer is genuinely unwell, she should be held in a medical facility or jail where she can be appropriately cared for until her extradition to Australia is approved."



Dassi Erlich, one of the alleged victims who was a student of Leifer at Melbourne's Adass Israel School, said the bail ruling was a "massive betrayal of justice".

"This blatant disregard for the wellbeing of the Israeli community is outstanding," she said in a statement to AAP.

Nicole Meyer, another of Leifer's alleged Melbourne-based victims, said diplomatic efforts needed to increase after almost 60 court hearings.

"Australia needs to step-up and put pressure on Israel for this not to continue. Enough is enough," she told AAP after the decision.

Malka Leifer is wanted in Australia on child sex abuse charges.
Malka Leifer is wanted in Australia on child sex abuse charges. Source: SBS


If Leifer is well enough to walk out of custody, she's well enough to walk onto an aircraft and return to Australia, Ms Meyer said.

Leifer's bail conditions include staying with an appointed family member, reporting to police, and attending a medical facility for treatment.

Prosecutors have until Friday to appeal the bail decision.


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