Irish Politicians Condemn German Trial of Ulm 5 Activists

A cross-party delegation of seven Irish politicians traveled to Stuttgart, Germany, to attend the trial of Daniel Tatlow-Devally and four other activists known as the Ulm 5. The group faces charges under Section 129 of the German Criminal Code for membership in a criminal organization following a September 2025 break-in at an Elbit Systems defense factory in Ulm. Prosecutors allege the activists caused approximately €1 million in damages during the protest against Israel's actions in Gaza. The defendants face up to five years in prison.

The Irish delegation, including Richard Boyd Barrett and Mairéad Farrell, characterized the proceedings as a show trial. They cited the use of handcuffs, glass partitions separating defendants from their lawyers, and the confiscation of note-taking materials. Farrell described Tatlow-Devally's detention in Ulm as appalling, reporting that he spends 23 hours a day in a small cell.

Activists including Greta Thunberg joined the call for the Irish Government to send formal observers to the court, arguing that the treatment of the defendants violates EU human rights laws. While the Department of Foreign Affairs stated it is providing consular assistance, it has declined to comment on the individual case. Irish politicians are now urging Prime Minister Micheál Martin to raise these concerns with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during an upcoming visit to Ireland.