‘Israel-Australia Relations Irreparably Damaged’: Diplomatic Row Erupts Over House Arrest for Accused Pedophile Leifer

Australian authorities and the Australian Jewish community have relayed furious messages to Israel, saying they have lost patience with the extradition proceeding of alleged pedophile Malka Leifer.

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On Wednesday, the Jerusalem District Court ordered that Leifer be released to house arrest after it found she had not been shown to be fit to stand trial.

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"While it is not possible to determine unequivocally that Leifer pretended [that she is not fit to stand trial], an examination of matters leads us to believe she should be released to house arrest," the court ruling said.

Australian Ambassador to Israel Chris Cannan said the decision to release Leifer was "concerning."