Five pro-Palestinian activists are set to appear in court on Monday over an attack on an Israeli arms company in Germany, with their families alleging the proceedings could become a "show trial." The group, known as the Ulm 5, includes British, Irish, German, and Spanish citizens who have been held in pre-trial detention since their arrest on September 8 last year.
Charges and Detention
The activists are accused of breaking into Elbit Systems, a major Israeli arms manufacturer, in the city of Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, causing hundreds of thousands of euros in damage. They face charges of trespass, destruction of property, and participation in a criminal organization under Section 129 of the German criminal code. This charge allows authorities to deny bail, considering the accused a threat to society. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison.
Families of the defendants report extreme prison conditions, including being locked up for up to 23 hours a day, with restricted access to visits, books, phone calls, and mail. All five have been denied bail, even after the six-month limit for pre-trial detention passed.
Defense Argument: Justified Action
Benjamin Düsberg, lawyer for Irish defendant Daniel Tatlow-Devally, argues the attack was an act of "defence of others" aimed at obstructing arms shipments to Israel. He stated, "We intend to use the proceedings to essentially turn the tables. We want to show that it’s not our clients who should be on the hook, but rather the Elbit bosses, who continued delivering weapons even during the genocide."
The defense will invoke Section 32 of the German criminal code, which justifies otherwise unlawful acts if done to avert imminent harm. Düsberg emphasized, "Our central argument will be that the actions of our clients there – namely the destruction of laboratory equipment and office equipment – were justified under the grounds of emergency assistance."
Families Speak Out
Mimi Tatlow-Golden, mother of Tatlow-Devally, expressed fears of a politically motivated trial. "The friends carried out only property damage, at a specific location and with the aim to end a genocide. They did not hide their identities and presented themselves for arrest. They represent no harm to the public," she said.
Nicky Robertson, mother of British defendant Zo Hailu, described the "extreme treatment" as disproportionate. Hailu was strip-searched on arrival at prison and forced to wear an adult nappy. Robertson added, "These are people who love the environment and children, who are caring, creative, sporty, decent team players. They’re not a danger to society."
Crow Tricks, a British citizen held at Stuttgart-Stammheim maximum-security prison, is allowed only two hours of visits per month. Their sibling Rosie Tricks said, "Knowing Crow as a sociable, bubbly, fun person, the light of our family, it’s really hard to see them in this position. Their health has definitely suffered."
Prosecution and Court Response
Prosecutors allege the group broke into the factory, destroyed equipment with axes, detonated smoke bombs, and defaced the building. The damage is estimated between €200,000 and €1 million. The activists posted a video of the break-in online and waited for police to arrest them.
A spokesperson for Stuttgart-Stammheim court stated that pre-trial detention was extended due to flight risk, which would not be mitigated by bail. The trial is expected to run until the end of July, with the court noting the high public interest in the case.
