Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 10:45 Defense Minister Yoav Gallant denied a request to allow an administrative detainee, who is a minor, to participate in the celebration of his brother’s brit tomorrow (Thursday). Honenu Attorney Chai Haber filed the request on behalf of the detainee, who asked to participate in the celebration under supervision, for a limited time, and on condition of returning to remand afterward. The written refusal cited the reason for the objection of the GSS and the Prison Service: “The request by the petitioner has been examined by the Defense Minister who decided to oppose the request after consulting with General Security Service authorities. [The Defense Minister] took note of confidential material that indicates the high level of danger posed by the petitioner.”
Approximately two weeks ago, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signed four-month administrative detention orders for two Yehuda and Shomron residents, one of them the abovementioned minor. They were served with the orders minutes after Jerusalem District Court Judge Miriam Lomp ordered their release from remand. Honenu Attorney Nati Rom represented them at the hearing. They are suspected of carrying out illegal actions at a demonstration protesting worsening terror in the area, following an attack in Hawara in which Hallel and Yagel Yaniv, Hy”d, were murdered in February.
Honenu Attorney Chai Haber, who is representing the minor, stated, “Particularly while disruptive demonstrations are taking place at which one side of the political spectrum claims that the State of Israel is on the way to becoming a dictatorship, giving administrative orders without a trial is the embodiment of dictatorship. It is unacceptable for a minor to be administratively detained, without being put on trial or presented with any proof of wrongdoing. Administrative orders are an extreme means that violates fundamental rights. The minor asked to participate in a family event, the brit of his newborn brother, and he was refused. The entire system stood on its hind legs to prevent his participation. What danger does a youth who wants to participate in a family celebration pose? I do not see any reason to deny my client this request.”