Germany: Pro-Palestinian groups show solidarity with detained activists

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rallied Monday outside a Stuttgart prison in solidarity with five activists facing trial for storming an Israeli arms factory to protest what they described as the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Dozens gathered outside Stammheim Prison, carrying banners that read “From Ulm to Gaza - Freedom for all political prisoners” and “Free the Ulm 5 - Shut Elbit down.” They were protesting the activists’ continued pretrial detention, months after their September 2025 arrest.

The trial in Stuttgart marked the first hearing for the group known as the Ulm 5, five activists aged 25 to 40 who hold Irish, British, Spanish, and German citizenship.

In September 2025, the activists broke into the offices of Israeli arms company Elbit Systems in Ulm to draw public attention to what they described as the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. A video shared by the group showed demonstrators using paint and smoke devices while shouting “Free Palestine,” waving Palestinian flags and spray-painting “Baby Killer” on the walls before police intervened and arrested them.

Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest military manufacturer, operates several offices and production facilities throughout Germany. The company specializes in communication systems, reconnaissance technologies, unmanned aircraft and ground vehicles, while maintaining close ties to the German arms industry.