As Meir Ettinger’s administrative detention was extended by four months, posters were put up throughout Israel calling for his release and noting that he is incarcerated without trial merely for expressing his opinion.

News was received on Feb. 1st that Meir Ettinger’s administrative detention will be extended by four months in the coming days. The current order that placed Ettinger under arrest without charge, is set to expire on Wed. Feb 3rd and it is reported that Defense Minister Yaalon will be signing a renewal of the detention. Lawyer Yuval Zemer, who is representing Ettinger on behalf of Honenu said, “We have not received any official communication that Mr. Ettinger’s detention is being lengthened and we will respond upon receiving the necessary documentation.”

A second activist, Evyatar Slonim, who has been incarcerated without trial through the use of administrative detention is expected to be released in the coming days. Lawyer Aharon Roza who has represented Slonim on behalf of Honenu stated, “I was updated today that no request for additional detention of Slonim will be filed and I am pleased with this decision. His detention from the outset was disproportionate and uncalled for. It harmed his freedom without any just cause. I hope that he will be released quickly and will be able to return to his life.”

It is noteworthy that a third Jewish youth, Mordechai Meyer was also detained through the use of an administrative order, but was released early when the information that led to the order was found to be faulty.

Ettinger recently got married within the past year. His wife is currently pregnant and is expecting in the coming few months. It is noteworthy that much of the material justifying the original order against Ettinger came from his blog on Hakol Hayehudi, part of which has been translated into English.

The news of the extension of Ettinger’s detainment has led to outrage on the part of activists, some of whom have put up posters throughout Israel.

One of the posters reads “Think carefully before expressing your opinion! The Shabak had Defense Minister Yaalon sign an administrative order against Jews who only sin was that they think differently. Free Ettinger and Slonim!”

A second poster read “Free Ettinger and the other administrative detainees! A rectified state does not keep prisoners without trial!”

http://www.hakolhayehudi.com/protests-grow-as-ettinger-detention-extended/