Administrative detention

Imprisonment without trial and without having committed any crime, as a way to ostensibly prevent a potential future crime. Under Israeli law, Palestinians in the West Bank can be detained for six months upon order of the empowered military official if he or she has “reasonable grounds to believe that reasons of regional security or public security require that a certain person be held in detention.” There is no hearing or other procedure to put up a defense. There is a right of appeal, but the evidence remains secret and only a very small percentage of such orders are cancelled. The administrative detention order can be renewed every six months indefinitely. Palestinian citizens of Israel and residents of Jerusalem can also be administratively detained, but under different laws.