A cross-party delegation of Irish lawmakers has called on the Dublin government to observe proceedings in a high-profile German trial and to address the situation of an Irish defendant when Germany’s chancellor makes an official visit.
The delegation, led by Mairéad Farrell of Sinn Féin, attended a hearing in Stuttgart involving five activists charged in connection with a 2025 attack on an Israeli arms manufacturer. The group visited Daniel Tatlow-Devally, the Irish member of the accused, in prison. Delegation members expressed concern about his detention conditions, noting he spends 23 hours daily in a small cell and receives only one hour of visitation per month. Farrell called on Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin to raise these issues with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his scheduled visit.
According to German prosecutors, the five activists entered a facility owned by Israel’s Elbit Systems in Ulm in September, where they damaged equipment and broke windows while shouting pro-Palestinian slogans. The group posted online claiming responsibility and stating their aim was to highlight Germany’s military support for Israel. The defendants face charges of trespassing, property destruction, and membership in a criminal organization, with potential sentences of up to five years if convicted. German authorities have justified the detention conditions based on the severity of the charges.
The delegation also raised concerns about trial proceedings, including the use of a glass barrier separating defendants from their legal representatives. The politicians contended this arrangement impedes the defendants’ right to adequate legal representation. German court officials stated the barrier was implemented due to the case’s severity and flight risk assessments.
The seven-member delegation, comprising lawmakers from multiple parties, indicated plans to continue monitoring the trial, which is expected to conclude in January. They emphasized the importance of government observers attending proceedings throughout the case’s duration.
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