Ireland is urging Germany to address the harsh detention conditions of a pro-Palestinian activist on trial in Stuttgart, as a cross-party delegation calls for diplomatic intervention. The case involves Daniel Tatlow-Devally, an Irish defendant among the so-called Ulm 5 activists charged with attacking an Israeli arms company.
Cross-Party Delegation Raises Concerns
A seven-member Irish delegation, including Sinn Féin’s Mairéad Farrell, traveled to Germany to observe the trial. They met with Tatlow-Devally in prison and described conditions as “shocking.” According to Farrell, he is confined to a 5x2 metre cell for 23 hours a day with only one hour of visitation per month.
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“There’s very harsh conditions that seem unwarranted for the scale of the fact that these people haven’t harmed people,” Farrell said. The delegation urged Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to raise the issue during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit next week.
The Charges and Allegations
German prosecutors allege that Tatlow-Devally and four others trespassed onto a site owned by Israel’s Elbit Systems in Ulm last September. They shouted pro-Palestinian slogans, destroyed equipment, and smashed windows, causing approximately €1 million (£850,000) in damage. The group posted videos online claiming responsibility, stating their goal was to draw attention to Germany’s support for Israel and its actions in Gaza.
Germany is the second largest supplier of arms to Israel, after the United States. The defendants have remained defiant, with Tatlow-Devally telling the court in May that their actions were motivated by “urgent humanitarian concern.”
Comparison of Arms Exports to Israel
| Country | Arms Exports to Israel (2023) |
|---|---|
| United States | ~$3.8 billion |
| Germany | ~$1.2 billion |
| Italy | ~$500 million |
| United Kingdom | ~$300 million |
The table highlights the scale of Germany’s military support for Israel, which activists argue fuels the conflict in Gaza.
Key Takeaways
- Ireland’s diplomatic push – Cross-party MPs demand Germany improve detention conditions for Irish activist.
- Harsh prison regime – 23-hour solitary confinement with minimal visitation rights.
- Political context – Trial linked to Germany’s arms exports to Israel and Gaza war.
- Next steps – Irish PM to discuss case with German chancellor on Tuesday.
FAQ
Who is Daniel Tatlow-Devally?
He is an Irish activist and one of the five defendants known as the Ulm 5, charged with damaging property at an Elbit Systems site in Germany.
What are the charges against the Ulm 5?
They are charged with trespassing, property damage, and causing about €1 million in losses at an Israeli arms company facility in Ulm.
Why is Ireland involved in this trial?
Because one of the defendants is an Irish citizen, and Irish politicians are concerned about his detention conditions and the trial’s political implications.
How does Germany’s arms trade relate to the case?
The activists targeted Elbit Systems to protest Germany’s status as the second-largest arms supplier to Israel, which they link to the Gaza conflict.
The trial continues as international attention grows. Whether Prime Minister Martin will secure any assurances from Chancellor Merz remains to be seen, but the Irish delegation has made its position clear: fair treatment and transparency are non-negotiable.