SYDNEY: In a significant legal development, an Australian court handed down a 15-year prison sentence to Malka Leifer, the former principal of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish School, for her involvement in sexually abusing two students.
This decision marks the culmination of a trial that has garnered widespread attention for its implications on addressing sexual abuse within religious institutions.
Leifer, 56, was found guilty of 18 sexual offences, which included charges of rape, indecent assault, and the penetration of a child aged 16 or 17. Despite her pleas of not guilty to all charges, the court convicted her on these counts. In a separate aspect of the trial, a jury cleared her of nine other charges. The trial’s outcome underscores the challenges in holding perpetrators accountable and highlights the importance of legal processes in addressing such serious allegations.
The former principal was associated with the Adass Israel School in Melbourne. Her case drew international attention due to its connection with Israel. Leifer, who held dual Australian-Israeli citizenship, fled to Israel in 2008 after the allegations surfaced. However, extradition proceedings led to her return to Australia in 2021 to face the charges against her.
Victoria County Court Judge Mark Gamble imposed a non-parole period of 11 years and six months as part of the 15-year sentence. This decision factored in the 2,069 days that Leifer had already served. The Australian Broadcasting Corp. provided coverage of these details.
The case revolved around accusations brought forth by three sisters who alleged that Leifer had subjected them to sexual abuse during their time as teenagers at the school. The incidents were said to have occurred on school premises, including locked staff offices, during school camps, and at Leifer’s residence between 2003 and 2007. The court found Leifer guilty of offences against two of the complainants.
In a statement following the verdict, one of the complainants expressed gratitude for the validation provided by the court’s decision. She highlighted the significance of the trial in shedding light on the underreported issue of female perpetrators in cases of sexual abuse.
