Since their targeted protest against Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems in September 2025, five young activists—known as the “Ulm5″—have been held in German pre-trial detention. While state prosecutors attempt to demonize the defendants under anti-terrorism Section 129 as a “criminal organization” inside Stuttgart-Stammheim’s high-security court, their biographies reveal engaged artists, academics, and community organizers. On PolitischeVerfolgung.de, we publish the prisoner profiles of Crow, Leandra, Zo, Daniel, and Vi to document the growing criminalization of dissent.
Prisoner Profiles: The “Ulm5”
1. Crow (pronouns: they/them)
- Background: Originally from the UK, Crow worked in kitchens and house renovation after leaving school. Musically active, later focusing on organized activism, community kitchens, biking, and camping.
- Convictions & Education: Rejects state and corporate educational structures that normalize patriarchal, cis-capitalist systems and colonial narratives. Advocate for grassroots education and liberation movements.
- Detention Status: Healthy and resolute despite state restrictions; expresses deep gratitude for receiving support letters.
2. Leandra (Leandra Daniela Rollo Valenzuela)
- Background: Spanish-Argentinian citizen, long-time resident of Berlin and Barcelona. Creative set designer, poet, animal lover (adopted rescue dog Louise, volunteered at animal shelters).
- Detention Facility: JVA Memmingen (Gaswerkstr. 23, 87700 Memmingen, Germany).
- Contact & Support: Write in English or Spanish. Book donations permitted only as physical copies ordered through local partner Buchladen Schmid (include ISBN in the letter).
3. Zo
- Background: From the UK; lover of nature, plants, sewing, and community cooking. Final-year university student completing a thesis from prison.
- Political Focus: Active in peaceful demonstrations against genocide, racism, and colonialism (solidarity with Palestine, Sudan, DR Congo).
- Reflections from Detention: Deeply affected by civilian suffering in Gaza; warns against normalizing international law violations.
4. Daniel (pronouns: they / no pronouns)
- Background: Irish citizen from Dublin living in Berlin. Holds a Master’s degree in Neurophilosophy. Podcast creator focusing on art, science, and decolonial AI applications; folk singer and field recordist.
- Detention Status: Writing a book while awaiting trial. After 8 months of strict limits, book orders (preferring long literary classics) are permitted again.
5. Vi (Vivien Sonja Kovarbasic)
- Background: Dancer (Gyrokinesis) across state and independent theaters; drag performer in Berlin’s queer and DIY scene. Reader of political zines and authors like Dean Spade and Leslie Feinberg.
- Detention Facility: JVA Schwäbisch Gmünd (Herlikofer Str. 19, 73527 Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany | Reg No: 701 561/2025).
- Strict Mail Restrictions: Letters must be exclusively in German (no Anglicisms, no English words or song lyrics). No glitter, stickers, perfume, or holographic cards. Photos up to A5 size only; drawing-only letters without written text are rejected.
Conclusion: Unbroken Spirit Facing State Repression
The biographies of the “Ulm 5” highlight the asymmetry of the Stammheim trial: while the state subjects young cultural workers to isolation, the solidarity from civil society demonstrates that state intimidation has failed. PolitischeVerfolgung.de will continue to monitor these cases.