Use of force by guards in trial of pro-Palestine activists in Germany under scrutiny

Use of force by guards in trial of pro-Palestine activists in Germany under scrutiny Submitted by Katherine Hearst on Tue, 05/26/2026 - 11:09 Defence lawyers reiterate demands for the recusal of the judge, who they say has 'no interest' in hearing the defendants The "Ulm Five" from left to right: Daniel Tatlow-Devally, Zo Hailu, Crow Tricks, Vi Kovarbasic and Leandra Rollo (supplied) Off The use of force during the trial of pro- Palestine activists in Germany has come under scrutiny after defendants were forcibly carried into the court in handcuffs and people attending have been subjected to “violent body searches”. Daniel Tatlow-Devally, Zo Hailu, Crow Tricks, Vi Kovarbasic and Leandra Rollo, who are from Germany, Spain , Ireland and the UK , were arrested on 8 September following an alleged break-in to the premises of Israeli arms firm Elbit Systems in the southwestern German city of Ulm. Known as the “Ulm Five”, the group is accused of damaging the building's glass facade and smashing office equipment, including computers, screens and telephones.