Ireland Urged to Pressure Germany Over Activist’s Trial

Irish politicians are voicing strong concerns about the treatment of Daniel Tatlow-Devally, an Irish defendant in a high-security trial of pro-Palestinian activists in Germany. A cross-party delegation has urged the Irish government to send observers to the trial and raise issues about Tatlow-Devally’s detention with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his upcoming visit.

Mairéad Farrell, a member of the delegation from Sinn Féin, attended a court hearing in Stuttgart regarding the so-called Ulm 5 activists, who are on trial for allegedly attacking an Israeli arms company. Farrell emphasized the need for the Irish Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, to bring up the activist’s case with Merz, aiming to address concerns regarding Tatlow-Devally’s prison conditions.

During a recent prison visit, Farrell described Tatlow-Devally’s situation as alarming. “He is 23 hours a day in his cell,” she stated, highlighting the restricted conditions he faces within a small cell measuring just 5×2 meters. Furthermore, Tatlow-Devally is permitted only an hour of visitation each month, which has raised serious concerns about his treatment.

German prosecutors allege that Tatlow-Devally and his group of activists trespassed last September onto a site owned by Israel’s Elbit Systems in Ulm, causing around €1 million in damage. Their actions reportedly aimed to draw attention to Germany’s military support for Israel, especially regarding its recent actions in Gaza.

Throughout the trial, the defendants have remained defiant. Tatlow-Devally previously expressed that their motivations were grounded in urgent humanitarian issues and that their actions were intended to disrupt Elbit’s deliveries to Israel. Farrell reiterated the calls for observers during the trial, noting the importance of continued oversight until a verdict is reached.

Concerns surrounding the trial process itself were also raised by the Irish delegation. Farrell noted that the defendants were being kept in a glass cage, which hindered their ability to communicate freely with their lawyers. This arrangement has been described as restrictive, with at least one of the accused stating they felt unable to fully participate in their trial due to the barriers in place.

The activists, charged with trespassing, destruction of property, and membership in a criminal organization, remain under pre-trial detention due to the nature of their charges, which German authorities classify as a societal threat. Their detention continues despite the passing of the six-month legal limit for pre-trial custody.

Farrell emphasized the importance of the Irish government’s engagement and support for Tatlow-Devally and the other defendants, urging that they send officials to monitor the proceedings. She stated, “It is absolutely crucial” for the Irish delegation to return to Germany before the trial concludes, likely anticipated in January, to ensure ongoing oversight.