Israeli minister questioned on Malka Leiferb case
The Sydney Morning Herald
15 February 2019
Jerusalem: Officials in Israel say a deputy cabinet minister is being investigated for ethics violations over the extradition case of former Melbourne school principal Malka Leifer, who is accused of child sex abuse.
Israeli media reported on Thursday that the inquiry involved suspicions that Deputy Health Minister Yaacov Litzman obstructed justice by trying to prevent the extradition of Leifer to Australia.
Litzman's office confirmed that police summoned him for questioning on Thursday.
Israel's state prosecution says Leifer is feigning mental illness to dodge extradition.
Police would not elaborate, but Israeli media reported that Litzman is suspected of trying to falsify psychiatric medical evaluations that would bar Leifer from extradition.
An Israeli court previously halted extradition proceedings after determining Leifer was not fit to stand trial.
One child sexual abuse prevention advocate said his organisation suspected foul play in the case.
"These serious allegations against...Litzman, [confirm] the ongoing suspicion many have regarding this case," said Manny Waks, CEO of Kol v'Oz.
"While we must await the investigation's conclusion, Litzman's appalling track record speaks for itself."
The Australian Israel Jewish Affairs Council also condemned the revelations, saying in a statement it was "deeply troubled by reports of alleged wrongdoing by Israel’s deputy health minister".
"We renew our call for extradition of Leifer, without delay, in the interests of justice for her alleged victims, and also call for a through investigation by Israeli authorities into any alleged malfeasance that may be delaying her return to face trial."
Originally published at The Sydney Morning Herald.
Israeli media reported on Thursday that the inquiry involved suspicions that Deputy Health Minister Yaacov Litzman obstructed justice by trying to prevent the extradition of Leifer to Australia.
Litzman's office confirmed that police summoned him for questioning on Thursday.
Israel's state prosecution says Leifer is feigning mental illness to dodge extradition.
Police would not elaborate, but Israeli media reported that Litzman is suspected of trying to falsify psychiatric medical evaluations that would bar Leifer from extradition.
An Israeli court previously halted extradition proceedings after determining Leifer was not fit to stand trial.
One child sexual abuse prevention advocate said his organisation suspected foul play in the case.
"These serious allegations against...Litzman, [confirm] the ongoing suspicion many have regarding this case," said Manny Waks, CEO of Kol v'Oz.
"While we must await the investigation's conclusion, Litzman's appalling track record speaks for itself."
The Australian Israel Jewish Affairs Council also condemned the revelations, saying in a statement it was "deeply troubled by reports of alleged wrongdoing by Israel’s deputy health minister".
"We renew our call for extradition of Leifer, without delay, in the interests of justice for her alleged victims, and also call for a through investigation by Israeli authorities into any alleged malfeasance that may be delaying her return to face trial."
Originally published at The Sydney Morning Herald.