Former principal wanted on child sex abuse charges kept in custody in Israel, will face new psychiatric test

ISRAEL and AUSTRALIA
Australian Broadcasting Corporation

February 14, 2018

By Sophie McNeill

Malka Leifer, a Melbourne school principal wanted on 74 charges of child sexual abuse, has been sent for a new psychiatric examination after Israeli police accused her of faking mental illness in order to avoid extradition.

After three years of avoiding extradition hearings, Ms Leifer appeared in the Jerusalem district court on Wednesday morning, her second court appearance in just two days.

Australia has been trying to extradite the woman since 2013, but the 54-year-old has refused to front court, with her lawyers claiming she has panic attacks, anxiety and is too unwell to face extradition hearings.

Israeli police re-arrested her on Monday, accusing her of faking a mental illness to avoid extradition.

Prosecutor Matan Akiva showed Judge Ram Winograd evidence he said proved she was fit to attend court.

He played video to the judge that he said showed Ms Leifer going to the post office by herself and signing cheques.

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