Trial of 'Ulm 5' activists: How Germany is dealing with its Palestine Action case

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Trial of 'Ulm 5' activists: How Germany is dealing with its Palestine Action case44 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleBethany Bell ,in GermanyandKristina VölkAlamyHannah "Zo" Hailu (C) is one of the two British citizens on trial in GermanyControversy has broken out in Germany over the trial of five pro-Palestinian activists, who are charged with belonging to a criminal organisation and destroying about €1m (£870,000) worth of property at the site of an Israel-based defence firm in Germany's Ulm. The case of the so-called Ulm 5 has sparked a debate in Germany - a long-standing supporter of Israel - about how to deal with pro-Palestinian protesters, and could set a precedent for the future. The five activists, from the UK, Spain, Ireland and Germany, are being tried in a high-security court at Stammheim prison in Stuttgart and have been in pre-trial detention since September.

They are linked to Palestine Action Germany, and the prosecution and defence have clashed in court over whether they should be tried as members of a criminal organisation. Public prosecutors argue that Palestine Action Germany constitutes a "criminal organisation" as the purpose of the activities was directed at committing "serious criminal offences". This legal basis has also been accepted in recent decisions taken in similar cases.

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However, the activists' defence lawyers say the the main offence they have committed is property damage. They say the charges are disproportionate and their clients' "fair trial rights were being violated", an argument the prosecutors deny. In September last year, the five activists broke into the Ulm premises of Elbit Systems, one of Israel's largest arms manufacturers, with branches in several countries including the UK.

They were arrested shortly afterwards and posted videos of their actions on social media. The activists can be seen wearing signs saying "Palestine Action" and shouting: "Germany finances, Elbit Systems produces, Israel bombs. " The video also shows them spray-painting "Baby Killers" on the walls.

Prosecutors have accused them of smashing screens, PCs, sensitive measuring equipment, and electronic devices. The five have also been charged with using symbols of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, which is proscribed as a "terrorist organisation" in Germany. Getty ImagesThe trial is being heard at the higher regional court in Stuttgart-StammheimTheir court case at Stammheim prison was also the venue of a 1970s trial against militants from the deadly left-wing Red Army Faction, and their lawyers argue that gives the impression their clients are "dangerous individuals", and risks convicting them without a trial.

Prosecutors have told the they did not request any "special detention conditions". Other aspects of the case have also caused controversy. The charge of membership of a criminal organisation comes under section 129 of the German Criminal Code which has become controversial in recent years.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.