German Prosecutors Seek Over €1M in Damages as 'Ulm Five' Activists Face Trial

In Germany, five activists, collectively referred to as the 'Ulm Five,' face trial for allegedly targeting a factory associated with Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems. Prosecutors have escalated their damage claims, now stating the property damage from the factory raid exceeds €1 million.

The trial begins after a period of significant pre-trial detention for the activists. Authorities have held them in isolation for up to 23 hours per day while awaiting their court appearance. Daniel Tatlow-Devally, one of the accused, had his mother describe his solitary confinement as feeling like torture.

The Stuttgart Office of the Chief Prosecutor pursues charges of property damage and classifies the activists as members of a criminal organization. This legal action follows the alleged September 2025 incident, where activists reportedly entered the Ulm factory and damaged office equipment. The court proceedings will examine both the prosecution's claims and the activists' defense, which frames the actions as civil disobedience. Observers will track how the German legal system processes this case, particularly regarding the substantial damage claims and the activists' pre-trial treatment.