Published: 15 February 2019
Last updated: 4 March 2024
UTJ’s Litzman suspected of trying to prevent extradition of alleged sex abuser (Times of Israel)
Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman was questioned by police investigators Thursday, over suspicions he sought to help a former school principal avoid extradition over allegations she molested students in Australia. Litzman, who heads the United Torah Judaism party, is suspected of ethics violations, according to police.
Israel's Deputy Health Minister investigated for integrity breach in Malka Leifer extradition case (ABC)
Israel's Deputy Health Minister is being investigated for "offences of integrity" for attempting to obtain false medical papers to prevent the extradition of former Melbourne school principal Malka Leifer to Australia. Ms Leifer is wanted in Victoria to face charges of sexually abusing students.
Yaakov Litzman confirmed a Jerusalem Post report that he was being questioned over Ms Leifer's case, prompting calls for him to resign while this investigation proceeds.
ITTAY FLESCHER
Manny Waks said in a statement, "We have long suspected high level interference in the Malka Leifer case, and these serious allegations against Israel's Deputy Health Minister, Rabbi Yakov Litzman, confirms the ongoing suspicion many have regarding this case.
"While we must await the investigation's conclusion, Litzman's appalling track record speaks for itself. He defended his recent visit to convicted sex offender, Rabbi Eliezer Berland, while he informed Leifer's alleged victims in a chance encounter at the Knesset that he does not support them or Leifer's extradition. Litzman has shown his true colours in the past, and hopefully he will now be brought to full account.
"We hope and expect that justice will prevail."
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Photo: Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman speaks during a press conference at the Health Ministry in Jerusalem on January 3, 2019. (Noam Revkin Fenton/Flash90)
