Story perspectives

German Activists Held Six Months; Trial Suspended

4/28/2026

Left

Activists Endure Isolation

Human-rights groups say the five defendants have endured over seven months of isolation, effectively punishing them before any verdict.
Daniel Tatlow-Devally and four co-defendants began their trial in Ulm, Germany, but the hearing was suspended until next Monday.
Amnesty International warned that prosecuting the activists under a criminal-organisation law threatens expression and assembly.
Families and lawyers report detention surpassed six-month limit, with 23-hour isolation, monitored visits and strip-searches.

Right

Ulm 5 Break-in

The defendants’ mother warned the case could become a show trial, calling the break-in a justified act to stop genocide.
The “Ulm 5,” Daniel Tatlow-Devally, broke into Elbit Systems’ Ulm subsidiary on 8 September 2025, causing €1 million loss, trial paused until Monday.
Lawyer Benjamin Düsberg argues the state seeks to make an example, citing no prior convictions.
Die Welt notes Palestine Action linked to over 2,000 Baden-Württemberg demonstrations by end-2025.

Blindspot

Left coverage emphasised the defendants’ extended pre-trial isolation, 23-hour daily confinement, strip-searches and detention beyond the six-month limit, highlighting human-rights concerns.
Right coverage focused on the break-in, damages and legal defenses, without mentioning those detention conditions or the Amnesty International warning about freedom of expression.

History

Historical Context

In April 1969 Judge Julius Hoffman opened the trial of the Chicago Eight, protesters arrested after the 1968 Democratic National Convention. After Hoffman gagged and bound Bobby Seale, the case became the Chicago Seven; five defendants received five-year prison terms and $5,000 fines. In 1972 the Seventh Circuit vacated contempt convictions and reversed all substantive verdicts, shaping scrutiny of political-dissent prosecutions.

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Activists Endure Isolation

Human-rights groups say the five defendants have endured over seven months of isolation, effectively punishing them before any verdict.
Daniel Tatlow-Devally and four co-defendants began their trial in Ulm, Germany, but the hearing was suspended until next Monday.
Amnesty International warned that prosecuting the activists under a criminal-organisation law threatens expression and assembly.
Families and lawyers report detention surpassed six-month limit, with 23-hour isolation, monitored visits and strip-searches.

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