Malka Leifer has for the first time faced an Australian court charged with sexually abusing three sisters while principal of a Melbourne ultra-Orthodox Jewish school.
Leifer faces 74 charges and on Wednesday night after being extradited from Israel following 13 years abroad.
She was charged in 2012 with offences against Dassi Erlich, Nicole Meyer and Elly Sapper while principal of the Adass Israel School at Elsternwick during the 2000s.
Leifer appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link from North Melbourne Police Station.
It was her first Australian court appearance following years of extradition proceedings in Israel.
She did not respond when asked by magistrate Johanna Metcalf if she could see and hear the court.
Custody officials in the room with her confirmed the audio-visual link was working.
Leifer sat with her head in her hands.
Lawyer Tony Hargreaves said she had significant mental health issues requiring various types of medication.
He asked for Leifer to be transferred to a prison as quickly as possible for the sake of her mental health, because the police station did not have the resources needed.
Victorian Police officers are stationed at Melbourne International Airport as Malka Leifer arrives. Source: AAP
Mr Hargreaves also said Leifer, who wore a headscarf, had strict religious beliefs and special custody arrangements were needed to ensure she could comply with them.
She will undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
She did not apply for bail and is due to face court again, also via video link, on April 9 for a committal mention.
Her accusers were last year granted a court order allowing them to speak publicly and under their real names about the case.
They tuned into the virtual court hearing.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline crisis support on 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged 5 to 25). More information is available at and .
Anyone seeking information or support relating to sexual abuse can contact Bravehearts on 1800 272 831 or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380.
