Trial of 'Ulm 5' Activists for Elbit Systems Attack Begins in Germany
The trial of five pro-Palestinian activists, known as the "Ulm 5," has commenced in Stuttgart, Germany, following a September 2025 break-in at an Elbit Systems subsidiary in Ulm. The defendants face charges including trespass, property destruction, and membership in a criminal organization. Proceedings have been marked by significant procedural disputes, with defense lawyers protesting high-security measures that they argue violate confidential attorney-client communication rights. The case highlights growing tensions in Germany regarding protests linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict and the legal treatment of activist groups opposing arms exports.
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Trial of Pro-Palestine Activists Stalls as Charges Remain Unread Amid Courtroom Tensions
The trial against five pro-Palestinian activists accused of sabotaging an Israeli arms company in Ulm has faced significant procedural delays at the Stuttgart Regional Court. After two days of hearings, the indictment has not yet been read. The proceedings were marked by tension, with the presiding judge ordering the courtroom cleared after defense lawyers protested that confidential communication with defendants, who are seated behind bulletproof glass, was impossible. Defense attorney Benjamin Düsberg accused the judge of disregarding defendants' rights and causing unnecessary delays by refusing to address defense motions before reading charges. Additional setbacks occurred because the court sent session motions via fax on a Friday evening when law firms were closed, and interpreter shortages affected two foreign defendants. The audience, largely composed of solidarity supporters, disrupted the start of the session with chants, leading to further warnings from the bench. With over 100 pages of charges still unread, the judge ended the day's proceedings, citing unresolved formalities. The next hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2026. The activists face charges of breach of the peace, property damage, and membership in a criminal organization linked to Palestine Action Germany.
taz.de - taz.deJudge Evacuates Courtroom Amid Disruptions in Trial of Activists Accused of Attacking Israeli Arms Firm
The trial concerning an attack on an Israeli defense company in Ulm, Germany, faced significant disruptions on its second day, leading the presiding judge to order the evacuation of the courtroom. The incident occurred after spectators, largely composed of pro-Palestine activists and relatives of the defendants, repeatedly applauded and chanted slogans such as 'Free Palestine' despite prior warnings. Tensions had already escalated due to prolonged arguments between defense lawyers and the court regarding seating arrangements behind safety glass, which the defense claimed hindered confidential communication. Defense attorneys accused the judge of disregarding the defendants' fundamental rights, a statement that triggered further applause from the gallery. Consequently, the session was adjourned, delaying the reading of the indictment. Five individuals from Ireland, Britain, Spain, and Germany, aged 25 to 40, are on trial. They face charges including membership in a criminal organization, criminal damage, trespassing, and using symbols of unconstitutional organizations for allegedly breaking into the facility and destroying high-value inventory.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenProcedural Disputes Mark Trial of Activists Accused of Attacking Ulm Arms Firm
The trial concerning an attack on an Israeli arms company in Ulm, Germany, faced significant procedural hurdles on its second day at the Stuttgart-Stammheim court. Before charges could be read, defense lawyers engaged in a dispute with the judge regarding seating arrangements. The defense argued that placing defendants behind safety glass prevented confidential communication with their legal counsel. Consequently, the judge restricted the defense from making numerous motions. Meanwhile, pro-Palestine activists in the courtroom applauded and sang as the five defendants entered. The accused, comprising Irish, British, Spanish, and German citizens aged 25 to 40, are charged with membership in a criminal organization, criminal damage, trespassing, and using symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations. They are alleged to have broken into the facility at night and destroyed high-value inventory. The proceedings highlight the tension between security measures and legal rights in cases involving politically motivated activism against defense industry targets.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenElbit Systems Trial Resumes in Germany After Defense Protest and Adjournment
Legal proceedings against five pro-Palestine activists accused of attacking the German subsidiary of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems have resumed in Stuttgart following a chaotic start. The defendants, nationals from Ireland, Britain, Spain, and Germany, are charged with membership in a criminal organization, property damage, and trespassing related to a September 2025 incident in Ulm that caused approximately one million euros in damages. The trial was initially adjourned after defense lawyers protested security measures by occupying the defendants' seats behind safety glass, arguing that treating their clients as dangerous individuals violated fair trial rights, especially given their lack of prior criminal records. The prosecution alleges the activists belong to 'Palestine Action Germany,' a group banned in the UK for its anti-Israel stance and use of vandalism. While the indictment details significant destruction of military communication technology equipment, the defense has filed a motion for bias against the judge. The case, handled by the State Security Center due to alleged extremist motivations, remains politically charged, with ongoing criticism regarding the defendants' pre-trial detention conditions.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenTrial Begins for 'Ulm 5' Activists Accused of Attacking Elbit Systems in Germany
Five activists, known as the 'Ulm 5,' have gone on trial in Stuttgart, Germany, following a September 2025 break-in at a subsidiary of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in Ulm. The defendants, holding UK, Irish, German, and Spanish citizenship, face charges including trespass, destruction of property, and membership in a criminal organization under Section 129 of the German Criminal Code. Prosecutors allege the group, linked to 'Palestine Action Germany,' operates as a criminal entity, a classification contested by defense lawyers and criticized by Amnesty International as a misuse of law against civic engagement. The defense argues the activists were attempting to obstruct genocide by disrupting the production of military components, such as drone and tank parts, allegedly supplied to Israel. The trial, held in a high-security courtroom formerly used for RAF terrorist trials, began fractiously after initial proceedings were aborted due to confidentiality concerns. If convicted, the activists face several years in prison. The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding Germany's role as a major arms supplier to Israel and the legal treatment of pro-Palestinian protests.
Deutsche WelleGermany’s ‘Ulm 5’ Trial Resumes: Activists Accused of Attacking Elbit Systems
The trial of five activists, known as the 'Ulm 5,' has resumed in Stuttgart, Germany, following charges related to a September 2025 break-in at an Elbit Systems subsidiary in Ulm. The defendants, holding UK, Irish, German, and Spanish citizenship, face accusations of trespass, property destruction, and membership in a criminal organization under Section 129 of the German Criminal Code. Prosecutors allege the group, linked to 'Palestine Action Germany,' operates as a criminal entity, a classification contested by defense attorneys who argue the organization lacks formal structure. The defense intends to justify the activists' actions as necessary measures to obstruct what they describe as genocide in Gaza, citing evidence that the Ulm facility produces components for Israeli military drones and tanks. The proceedings, held in a high-security courtroom historically associated with terrorist trials, began controversially in April but were initially aborted due to procedural objections regarding confidential client-attorney communication. The case highlights growing legal tensions in Germany concerning protest movements and arms exports to Israel, drawing criticism from human rights groups like Amnesty International regarding the potential criminalization of civic engagement.
Deutsche WelleTrial Begins for 'Ulm 5' Activists Accused of Attacking Elbit Systems in Germany
Five activists, known as the 'Ulm 5,' have gone on trial in Stuttgart, Germany, following a September 2025 break-in at a subsidiary of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in Ulm. The defendants, holding UK, Irish, German, and Spanish citizenship, face charges including trespass, destruction of property, and membership in a criminal organization under Section 129 of the German Criminal Code. Prosecutors classify their group, 'Palestine Action Germany,' as a criminal entity, a move criticized by Amnesty International as potentially misusing anti-terror laws against legitimate protest. The defense argues the activists were attempting to obstruct genocide in Gaza by disrupting the supply of drone and tank components to Israel. They claim evidence shows the Ulm facility produced parts for military use, contradicting reports that it only handled telecommunications for the German Bundeswehr. The trial, held in a high-security courtroom formerly used for RAF terrorist trials, began fractiously after initial proceedings were aborted due to confidentiality concerns between lawyers and clients. If convicted, the activists face several years in prison. The case highlights growing tensions in Germany regarding protests linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict and the legal treatment of such activist groups.
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