A District Court on Tuesday, 5 Kislev, ruled to extend the administrative detention of Meir Ettinger and Avitar Slonim for an additional three months. According to Ettinger’s attorney, “he remains in prison because of his political views, nothing more”.

Justice Avraham Tal decided to honor the request to extend their remand for an additional three months. The administrative detention permits the government to keep them behind bars without charging them with any law-breaking activity. Hence, they are unable to defend themselves because they are not charged with any crime. The state contends that they are planning to incite massive Arab violence that would lead to toppling the government but lacks evidence to substantiate these allegations.

Defense attorney Yuval Zemer of Honenu, who is representing Ettinger, insists the nature of the court’s ruling based on the statements heard from state officials makes it clear that his client is imprisoned because of his ideology.

Attorney Aaron Rosa, who represents Slonim on behalf of Honenu adds from the moment officials recommend to the Defense Minister to approve administrative detention there is no way for that person to defend himself.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)