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, and face several years in prison if found guilty.
It’s a tragedy that there are no sanctions against Israel yet.
The lack of response to uphold international law and human rights reduces confidence in the whole justice system. Prosecution then going after civil activism when state terrorism receives no response but seemingly support is furthermore detrimental.
Even if they could be considered a criminal or terrorist organization, if they’re targeting a company that pushes injustice specifically, it’s hard not to have sympathy and, at the same time, lose faith in the justice system/a just system.
If the government had put sanctions in place, this kind of activism wouldn’t be necessary and likely wouldn’t be happening.
It’s hard to equate this kind of sabotage to terrorism that attacks civilians.