Eritrean migrants suspected of being involved in violent riots over the weekend in Tel Aviv were transferred Tuesday to administrative detention.
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The Population and Immigration Authority detained 53 suspects, who were taken to Givon Prison in Ramle, where they will be held for at least four days.
Video: Over 100 people were wounded in the clashes / Credit: Moshe Ben Simhon
The Israel Police canceled a previous request to extend the suspects' detention, opting to conduct administrative proceedings, and informed the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court of its decision.
The individuals are suspected of involvement in the violent riots on Saturday, when pro- and anti-Eritrean government demonstrators clashed outside an embassy event. As a result, at least 135 people were wounded, including over 20 law enforcement officers.
After a ministerial committee met on Sunday to prepare the government's response to the riots, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly put pressure on law enforcement to expedite administrative detentions.
The length of administrative detention can be unlimited and does not require the state to provide the detainee with legal representation. It is more frequently used with Palestinians detained for suspected terrorism activity, and while it is legislated in Israel's Entry Law, it has not been recently used against anyone without criminal charges being brought.
Police said the latest arrest on Monday night was an Eritrean migrant who was accused of carrying a gun without a license during the riots on Saturday. Another seven were held on suspicion of planning more violent clashes.
"We request strong measures against the rioters, including the immediate deportation of those who took part in it," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during Sunday's ministerial meeting. "I find it difficult to understand why we would have a problem with those who declare themselves supporters of the regime – they certainly cannot make a claim of being refugees."
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
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