The trial of five European activists accused of attacking a factory linked to Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems is set to begin in Germany on Monday. The group, known as the “Ulm Five”, are alleged to have entered the facility in Ulm in September 2025 and caused damage while filming the incident.
Prosecutors say the activists targeted a site connected to Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest private defence contractor, which supplies military equipment used in the Gaza conflict. They are facing charges of property damage and alleged membership of a criminal organisation, with prosecutors also citing possible anti-Semitic motivation.
The defendants, who include citizens from Ireland, Britain, Spain and Germany, have been held in high-security detention for more than seven months. Their lawyers argue the case relates to civil disobedience aimed at opposing actions they say violate international law, insisting no violence was used against individuals.
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Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns about the use of criminal organisation laws in the case, warning it could restrict freedom of expression and peaceful protest. The trial is expected to run until July in Stuttgart.
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