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Malka Leifer
In this photo from February 27, 2018, Malka Leifer, right, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean, File)
September 22, 2020, 8:34 am
Australia state leader welcomes Israeli decision to extradite Malka Leifer
Leifer has been fighting extradition from Israel since 2014; in Australia, she could stand trial for 74 charges of child sex abuse
By Rod McGuirk
Australian sisters Elly Sapper, Dassi Erlich and Nicole Meyer who were allegedly sexually abused by former headteacher Malka Leifer arrive for a court hearing at the District Court in Jerusalem, March 6, 2019. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
September 21, 2020, 1:01 pm
Leifer accusers express relief at long-awaited extradition ruling
‘We can’t believe we finally got here,’ says one of three Australian sisters who accuse ex-principal of sexual assault; others also praise decision, after 71 hearings
By TOI staff and Jacob Magid
Malka Leifer seen on a screen, left, via a video link during a court hearing at the Jerusalem District Court on July 20, 2020. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
September 21, 2020, 10:17 am
Court rules accused sex abuser Leifer to be extradited to Australia
In possibly final ruling after 6 years of hearings, judge says ex-principal must face child sex abuse charges in Melbourne, pending expected appeal
By Jacob Magid
A private investigator tagged Malka Leifer as she spoke on the phone, while sitting on a bench in Bnei Brak, on December 14, 2017. (Screen capture/YouTube)
September 21, 2020, 9:59 am
Court set to hand down long-awaited decision on Leifer extradition to Australia
Judge expected to rule in favor of sending former principal to Australia to face 74 charges of child sex abuse, but defense can still try to appeal
By Jacob Magid
In this photo from February 27, 2018, Malka Leifer, right, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean, File)
September 2, 2020, 2:35 pm
Supreme Court rejects Malka Leifer’s appeal, paving way toward her extradition
After years of hearings, judges unanimously say alleged serial pedophile is mentally fit to stand trial in Australia; decision on extradition to be made on September 21
By Michael Bachner and Jacob Magid
In this February 27, 2018, photo, Malka Leifer, center, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
July 28, 2020, 11:47 pm
Australian Jews’ Israel ties sorely tested by saga of alleged sex abuser Leifer
Community leaders freely express their discontent over lengthy extradition proceedings of accused abuser Malka Leifer, but say their Zionist roots have helped in weathering storm
By Jacob Magid
Malka Leifer (C) refuses to raise her head while appearing over Skype during an extradition hearing at the Jerusalem District Court on July 20, 2020. (Jacob Magid/Times of Israel)
July 20, 2020, 5:02 pm
Defense at extradition hearing: Leifer’s students effectively consented to abuse
Prosecution lambastes claims, arguing former principal wanted by Australia had total control over alleged victims; defense says media has turned client ‘into a monster’
By Jacob Magid
Former principal Malka Leifer, wanted in Australia for child sex abuse crimes, seen at the Jerusalem District Court, February 14, 2018. (Yonatan Sindel/ Flash90)
July 20, 2020, 6:27 am
After 6 years and 68 court dates, Malka Leifer extradition proceedings begin
Even though judge concluded that alleged child sex abuser wanted in Australia was feigning mental illness, proceedings could still face further delay
By Jacob Magid
In this photo from February 27, 2018, Malka Leifer, right, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean, File)
July 10, 2020, 10:21 am
Supreme Court nixes request from Leifer defense to halt proceedings amid appeal
Top court yet to schedule hearing to discuss appeal, but July 20 extradition hearing for alleged pedophile wanted in Australia will now be able to move forward as planned
By Jacob Magid
In this February 27, 2018, photo, Malka Leifer, center, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean)
July 8, 2020, 1:57 pm
Leifer’s lawyers file Supreme Court appeal against ruling she can be extradited
Defense relying on refuted 2016 decision to release alleged Australian pedophile, seeking to present new testimony and asking for proceedings to halt in interim
By Jacob Magid
President Reuven Rivlin (right) meets with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Canberra, Australia, February 26, 2020. (Koby Gideon/GPO)
May 27, 2020, 2:14 pm
Rivlin assures Australian premier alleged sex abuser Leifer won’t escape justice
Scott Morrison tells Israeli president that Malka Leifer being found fit for extradition has brought Australians relief; issue had been major sticking point in visit this year
By TOI staff
In this photo from February 27, 2018, Malka Leifer, right, is brought to a courtroom in Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean, File)
May 26, 2020, 4:19 pm
Court rules alleged child sex abuser Leifer fit to be extradited for trial
Judge says former school principal feigned mental illness to avoid facing 74 counts of child sex abuse in Australia; defense plans appeal after July 20 extradition hearing
By Jacob Magid
President Reuvin Rivlin, left, and Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison meet at Parliament House in Canberra, February 26, 2020. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)
February 26, 2020, 11:06 am
Rivlin reassures Australian PM accused pedophile Leifer will face justice
‘Israel will not allow anyone to use it to evade the law,’ president tells Scott Morrison during meeting in Canberra
By AP and TOI staff
Judge Chana Lomp (Supreme Court)
February 18, 2020, 12:35 pm
Judge allows Leifer lawyers to submit extra testimony, further stretching trial
Doctors who already testified for defense can again submit psychiatric opinions, despite court-ordered panel having found alleged sex abuser fit for extradition to Australia
By Jacob Magid
President Reuven Rivlin speaks at the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem, on February 17, 2020. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
February 17, 2020, 8:43 pm
President to make first official visit to Australia
Reuven Rivlin will also stop in Fiji Islands for a summit with leaders, sign visa waiver agreement; a stopover in Los Angeles will see president honored at UCLA
By Stuart Winer and Jacob Magid
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