The Israel Supreme Court postponed today until October 4 a hearing on a petition for asylum in Israel filed by Peter Lieberman, 42, of Detroit, who is sought by United States officials on charges of passport fraud. Lieberman arrived in Israel as a stowaway on an Israeli liner on August 30.
The court also extended an interim order against the American Jew’s expulsion. This was done to enable his attorney and the Israeli Interior Ministry to prepare briefs in the case. Eliezer Pugatch, the stowaway’s attorney, had filed a request to the Interior Ministry to show cause why Lieberman should not be granted an immigrant’s visa under Israel’s Law of the Return.
Because there is no extradition treaty between the United States and Israel, the United States cannot obtain Lieberman’s return. The U. S. Embassy in Tel Aviv has asked the Israel Government to expel Lieberman. Lieberman surrendered to police in Tel Aviv last week and was brought before a Tel Aviv Magistrate. He was released on 5,000 pounds ($1,667) bail pending the hearing today.
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