“A trial has begun against five activists accused of attacking a German branch of Israeli arms maker Elbit Systems in September 2025.”

“The first hearing opened in a high-security court in Stuttgart on April 27, but was aborted within minutes after defense attorneys objected to the fact that they were unable to communicate confidentially with their clients.”

“Elbit Systems is one of Israel's largest arms manufacturers with subsidiary factories in several countries.”

“The company manufactures drones, command-and-control, and telecommunications equipment for several other militaries, including the German Bundeswehr.”

“Germany is Israel's second biggest arms supplier.”

“The defendants, who hold UK, Irish, German and Spanish citizenship, have been charged with trespass, destruction of property, membership of a criminal organization and use of symbols of terrorist organizations.”

“They have been held in separate prisons since their arrest on September 8, 2025”

“Videos posted online appear to show the activists breaking into the Elbit Systems subsidiary offices in the southern city of Ulm, damaging several computers and other technical equipment, and spray-painting slogans on the walls, including "baby killers."”

“The group are being charged under Section 129 of the German Criminal Code, which forbids the formation and membership of criminal organizations.”

“The Stuttgart state prosecutors argued that the use of Section 129 was legitimate, as the group "Palestine Action Germany," to which they say the defendants belong, has been considered a "criminal organization" by several courts leading up to the trial.”