Demonstrations in Ulm: Activists demand shutdown of an Israeli weapons manufacturer
Five Suspects Arrested in Ulm Protest Against Israeli Defense Contractor
In the heart of Ulm, Germany, a series of events unfolded last week surrounding a protest against an Israeli defense contractor, Elbit Systems. The demonstration, which took place in front of the world's tallest church tower, the Ulm Minster, was part of ongoing protests against Israel's Gaza policy.
On Wednesday, five individuals were arrested following an attack on the Ulm office of Elbit Systems. According to reports, these suspects, aged 23 to 39 and holding Irish, British, Spanish, and German citizenship, were found in custody since Tuesday. They are accused of involvement in a criminal organization, trespassing, and property damage, with the damage to the company estimated at one million euros.
The action remained peaceful, with around 20 protesters chanting "Free Palestine" during the demonstration. Activists unfurled a banner at the Ulm market demanding the closure of the Israeli defense company and condemning Israel's military actions in Gaza. The graffiti at the scene also suggested a political motive, as reported by the state criminal investigation office.
On Monday, it is alleged that the suspects attacked the company entrance at the Ulm production site. Israel's ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor, described the perpetrators as supporters of Hamas, an extremist group responsible for attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the kidnapping of more than 250 others. Since then, Israel has been at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In a related incident, police issued dispersal orders and deployed an anti-conflict team during a protest camp set up outside the company office building. The banner at this camp read: "Shut Elbit down - Genocide starts here." However, no further details about the nature of the company or the purpose of the protest have been provided.
As the day progressed, an authorized demonstration against the Gaza conflict was planned for Minster Square. The demonstration, like the earlier protest, was peaceful and was eventually dispersed.
The suspects, according to reports, had camped outside the Ulm office of Elbit Systems in tents for days before their arrest. The exact nature of their involvement in the protest and the attack remains under investigation.
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