Malka Leifer extradition

The Australian Government welcomes the extradition of Malka Leifer from Israel to Australia.

Ms Leifer, escorted by Victoria Police, arrived in Melbourne from Israel late this evening, Wednesday, 27th January.

Attorney-General, Christian Porter, said this finally concluded the long-running process to see Ms Leifer returned to Australia to face serious sexual assault charges against her.

“Ms Leifer will stand trial in Victoria on 74 counts of child sexual abuse,” the Attorney-General said.

“These are extremely serious charges and now that Ms Leifer has been extradited to Australia, those charges can now be tested by the courts in Victoria.

“Ms Leifer's return to Australia marks the end of a very long and complicated extradition. I thank the Israeli Government for its cooperation and assistance during the course of this process.

“The arrival of Ms Leifer in Australia will bring relief to alleged victims who have waited many years for this moment.

“It is now important that the legal processes are allowed to proceed in Victoria without commentary which could affect that process.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, commended the courage shown by those involved in the case to campaign to have charges against Ms Leifer heard in Australia.

“They have shown enormous patience and resolve and my thoughts are with them as we reach a critical step in this legal process,” the Minister said.

“I also thank all those within the Israeli Government whose cooperation has allowed us to reach this point.”

The Ministers said that Ms Leifer's criminal proceedings in Australia were a matter for Victorian state authorities, and that it would not be appropriate to comment on those proceedings.