Full Breakdown
European Trials of Palestine Action Activists Targeting Elbit Systems
5/11/2026, 10:09:18 PM
German Trial of the “Ulm 5”
Five activists of mixed UK, Irish, German and Spanish citizenship were tried in Stuttgart for a September 2025 break-in at the Elbit Systems subsidiary in Ulm. Prosecutors charged them with trespass, property destruction, membership of a criminal organization under Section 129 of the German Criminal Code, and use of symbols of terrorist groups. The hearing opened on 27 April 2026 in a high-security courtroom but was halted when defence lawyers protested a glass separator that prevented confidential communication with clients. The defendants have been held in pre-trial detention since their arrest on 8 September 2025; the Stuttgart Higher Regional Court justified extensions on the basis of flight-risk concerns. The next hearing is scheduled for 11 May 2026.
UK Prosecutions at Elbit Systems UK
In August 2024, six Palestine Action activists entered the Elbit Systems site near Bristol, damaging drones and other equipment. Four were convicted of criminal damage; two, including Jordan Devlin, were acquitted. Police and the Elbit spokesperson described the incident as “violent and deliberate thuggery.” The trial attracted criticism for the use of counter-terrorism powers during arrests and for court orders restricting references to Gaza as genocide.
Background & Context
Palestine Action, founded in the UK in 2020, campaigns against companies it says supply Israel’s military. Elbit Systems manufactures drones, command-and-control, and telecommunications gear for several armed forces, including the German Bundeswehr. International bodies and human-rights groups have described Israel’s conduct in Gaza as genocide; Israel denies the allegation. German prosecutors have increasingly applied Section 129, previously used against climate activists, to protest groups.
Key Figures & Groups
- Defendants: the “Ulm 5” (Leandra R., Vi K., etc.) and UK activists Jordan Devlin, Zoe Rogers, et al.
- Legal counsel: Mathes Breuer (Ulm 5 defence), Rajiv Menon KC (UK defence).
- Prosecutors: Stuttgart state prosecutor’s office; UK Crown Prosecution Service.
- Organizations: Amnesty International Germany, Palestine Action, Elbit Systems, B’nai Brith Canada, Tom Gent (Avon & Somerset Police Federation).
Timeline
- 8 Sep 2025 – Arrest of the Ulm activists.
- 27 Apr 2026 – German trial begins; aborted after a two-hour break.
- 11 May 2026 – Scheduled continuation of the German hearing.
- 6 Aug 2024 – UK Elbit protest.
- 8 May 2026 – UK verdict: mixed convictions and acquittals.
Legal Charges & Procedural Issues
German charges invoke Section 129, which criminalises membership in “criminal organisations.” Defence lawyers argue “Palestine Action Germany” lacks formal structure. In both jurisdictions, defendants faced restrictions on discussing Gaza’s legal status, and in Germany the glass separator impeded lawyer-client confidentiality. Pre-trial detention in Germany exceeds the usual six-month limit, citing flight-risk assessments.
Official Statements & Responses
Stuttgart prosecutors maintain that Section 129 applies because courts have previously classified “Palestine Action Germany” as a criminal organisation. Defence attorney Breuer asserts evidence that Elbit’s Ulm research directly supports drone production. Elbit’s spokesperson claims the Ulm site supplied telecommunications parts to the German military. The UK Crown Prosecution Service emphasises that the offences concern criminal damage, not terrorism.
Criticism & Opposition
Amnesty International warned that Section 129 “carries the risk of associating legitimate civic engagement with organised crime.” Legal scholars and civil-rights groups contend that the use of anti-terrorism powers suppresses lawful protest and limits jury deliberation. Max Blumenthal argued that jurors are being barred from exercising historic rights of conscience.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This carries the risk of associating legitimate civic engagement with organized crime,” — Paula Zimmermann, Amnesty International Germany.
- “We have evidence that the research they're doing in Ulm is important for drone manufacturing.” — Mathes Breuer, defence attorney.
- “These are five activists who took this action only targeting physical property," Josie told DW.” — Josie, partner of Vi K.
- “He said: “I don’t regret signing up to this action because I’m very acutely aware I was quantifiably saving lives.” — Jordan Devlin, Palestine Action activist.
Impact & Ongoing Debate
The trials illustrate a clash between state security frameworks and protest rights. They raise questions about the scope of anti-terrorism legislation, the ability of juries to consider political context, and the legal framing of actions intended to block alleged war crimes.
What’s Next
The German court will reconvene on 11 May 2026; sentencing follows a conviction. In the UK, appeals are expected from convicted activists, and parliamentary discussions on jury rights and protest-related legislation are underway.
