Representatives of the Ulm 5 hold first press conference ahead of trial in Germany

Berlin — Yesterday, CAGE International held a joint press conference in Berlin alongside the families and legal representatives of the “Ulm 5”, five activists currently held in pre-trial detention in Germany, as their trial is set to begin on 27 April 2026 in Stuttgart.

Speakers included family members Nicola Robertson and Mimi Tatlow-Golden, defence lawyers Nina Öner and Matthias Schuster, and Andrew Feinstein, Executive Director of Shadow World Investigations.

The press conference highlighted serious concerns regarding the prolonged pre-trial detention of the five activists: Daniel Tatlow-Devally, Zo Hailu, Crow Tricks, Vi Kovarbasic, and Leandra Rollo - who were arrested in September 2025 following an action at Elbit Systems in Ulm.

Despite having no prior criminal records and posing no evident risk to the public, the five have now spent over six months in detention, exceeding standard limits under German law. Bail has repeatedly been denied.

The defendants face charges including trespass, criminal damage, and, most notably, Section 129 of the German penal code - “membership of a criminal organisation” - a controversial provision widely criticised for its broad application and history of use in politically sensitive cases.

Families and legal representatives raised alarm over what they described as punitive and disproportionate detention conditions, including:

• Solitary confinement and extended periods of isolation (up to 23 hours per day)
• Severely restricted and surveilled family visits and communications
• Delays and interference in access to legal counsel
• Limitations on communication between co-defendants, hindering trial preparation

Legal experts at the conference also questioned the fairness of proceedings, citing a recent decision by Germany’s Higher Regional Court which speculated on potential sentencing outcomes prior to trial - raising concerns about the presumption of innocence and judicial impartiality.

Of Zo’s treatment in prison, their mother Nicola Robertson said: 

“Zo was read their rights: you may make a call to a lawyer and a family member or a friend, and then denied any phone call. Zo was stripped naked, completely naked, and given a nappy - and left in a cell like that for 6 hours. Zo’s taken a prison cleaning job to get out of the 23 hours a day isolation, and to earn a shower on cleaning days. Showering regularly is not allowed. Replacing essential prison staff, Zo is only paid at 4 cents per hour. So to call me for 30 minutes, Zo has to work 15 hours.

I find it unbelievable that a person upholding international law, trying to prevent a genocide, is being subjected to this kind of abuse. Why are they being punished like this? There hasn’t even been a trial. Where’s the presumption of innocence? Zo would actually hate that I’m focusing on them and their prison conditions, but eyes need to be on the disproportionate response of the state.”  

Naila Ahmed, Head of Campaigns at CAGE International, said: 

“This case raises serious concerns about due process, including the prolonged and punitive use of pre-trial detention, restrictions on legal access, and indications of prejudgment by the courts. The treatment of the Ulm 5 reflects a broader pattern in which political activists are being criminalised and effectively punished before trial. They should be released immediately and afforded their full rights to a fair trial.”

The trial, scheduled to take place at the high-security Stammheim court complex, is expected to run from April through July 2026. Observers have also raised concerns about the pace of proceedings and barriers to public and international monitoring. Journalists and supporters are encouraged to attend.