The trial of five activists charged with breaking into a German branch of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems in Ulm has commenced in Stuttgart. The first hearing opened on April 27 in a high-security court but was aborted within minutes after defense attorneys objected that they could not communicate confidentially with their clients, who were placed behind a glass partition.

The defendants, holding UK, Irish, German, and Spanish citizenship, face charges including trespass, destruction of property, membership in a criminal organization, and use of symbols of terrorist organizations. Arrested on September 8, 2025, they have been held in separate prisons and could face several years in prison if convicted.

The defense intends to argue that the activists were trying to obstruct a genocide allegedly being carried out by Israel in Gaza. Defense attorney Mathes Breuer claimed that the Ulm facility produces components for drones and tanks that are delivered to Israel, and that evidence will be presented to the court. The activists reportedly spray-painted slogans such as "baby killers" and waited for police to arrive.

The trial is being held at the Stammheim prison, the same venue where the notorious trial of the left-wing RAF terrorists took place in the 1970s. Critics view the choice of venue as an attempt to portray the activists as terrorists.

The hearing on April 27 saw 11 defense lawyers refuse to sit down due to the glass separator, which they argued violated lawyer-client confidentiality. After a two-hour break, the judge adjourned proceedings, and the next hearing is set for May 11, with two intervening dates canceled.

Relatives and partners of the so-called "Ulm 5" accuse the German state of making an example of them, citing over seven months of pre-trial detention and strict conditions. They argue that the activists did not resist arrest and had no intention to flee.

The International Court of Justice is investigating Israel's conduct in Gaza on allegations of genocide, which Israel denies. The trial continues.

Source: www.dw.com