Chancellor Friedrich Merz has defended the prosecution of five pro-Palestinian activists in southern Germany, saying the cases adhere to the rule of law and that the judiciary is independent. The defendants, from Ireland, Britain, Spain and Germany, are accused of breaking into Elbit Systems' Ulm site on 8 September 2025 and causing roughly €1.04 million in damage. Prosecutors allege membership of a criminal organisation and spreading anti-Semitic narratives; the defence rejects these claims and says the action was emergency assistance.
Merz Defends High-Profile German Trial Of Pro-Palestinian Activists, Cites Rule Of Law
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) shakes hands with Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, following a press conference after their bilateral meeting. The visit takes place in connection with Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union. (is associated with: «Merz defends German trial of Palestinian activists») Michael Kappeler/dpa
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly defended the ongoing prosecution of several pro-Palestinian activists in southern Germany, insisting the cases are being handled in line with the rule of law and international standards.
Merkel's Successor Backs Judicial Independence
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin after meeting Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, Merz emphasised that consular assistance is being provided and that all accused have legal representation. He said he had "absolutely no doubt" that, regardless of nationality, proceedings in Germany meet internationally recognised standards and reiterated the independence of the German judiciary.
Case Details
For several months five activists, from Ireland, Britain, Spain and Germany, have been on trial at the Stuttgart Regional Court. Prosecutors say the defendants belong to Palestine Action Germany, an offshoot of a British group that was banned in the UK in June 2025.
They are accused of breaking into the Ulm branch of Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems on 8 September 2025, together with six as-yet-unidentified individuals, and of deliberately damaging property valued at around €1.04 million (approximately $1.2 million). The Public Prosecutor's Office has charged them with membership of a criminal organisation, criminal damage and trespass.
Contested Allegations and Defence
Prosecutors also allege the activists denied Israel's right to exist and deliberately spread anti-Semitic narratives. The defence has repeatedly rejected those allegations, saying the action was an act of emergency assistance intended to save human lives.
Why The Trial Attracted Attention
The trial is being held in Stammheim in the Stuttgart district, a site known for the high-profile trials of the Red Army Faction (RAF) in previous decades. That historical context, together with the international aspects of the case and strong public interest over protests related to the Israel–Palestine conflict, has drawn broad attention to the proceedings.
Official Position: Merz stressed German institutions will apply the law impartially and that the accused have access to legal and consular support, while the courts will decide the merits of the charges.
As the trial continues, the case remains a flashpoint in debates over protest tactics, national security, the line between civil disobedience and criminal action, and how allegations of antisemitism are assessed in court.
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