A Lebanese man has gone on trial in Celle, northern Germany, accused of being a member of Hezbollah - a Shia Muslim group whose military wing is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the EU. The 35 year-old man, named only as Fadel Z in line with German privacy laws, is charged with having played a key role in procuring products for Hezbollah's drone programme.
The German Federal Prosecutor's Office stated that Fadel Z joined Hezbollah more than 10 years ago, first working in public relations. In a statement, prosecutors said he became a foreign operator for the group's drone programme in 2022, initially from Barcelona, Spain, before relocating to Germany in 2023.
Prosecutors revealed that Hezbollah has been running an extensive drone programme for some time. In response to Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah allegedly launched rockets and drones at military and civilian targets in Israel, significantly expanding its arsenal.
Fadel Z is accused of procuring materials and products for drone construction worth approximately €1.4 million (£1.2 million). The components, including motors and propellers, were sourced from companies in Europe, China, and the US, often through front companies under Fadel Z's name.
His procurement efforts allegedly facilitated the transport of drones to Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. Two engines linked to Fadel Z's orders were later used in explosive drones fired at Israel, one of which struck a retirement home during the Jewish Holy Day of Yom Kippur, though fortunately without injuries.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office categorized this as aiding and abetting attempted murder. The regional court in Celle is expected to conduct hearings until August of the following year.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified following Hamas's actions, leading to a series of retaliatory attacks and a significant Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon, resulting in considerable casualties on both sides.
The German Federal Prosecutor's Office stated that Fadel Z joined Hezbollah more than 10 years ago, first working in public relations. In a statement, prosecutors said he became a foreign operator for the group's drone programme in 2022, initially from Barcelona, Spain, before relocating to Germany in 2023.
Prosecutors revealed that Hezbollah has been running an extensive drone programme for some time. In response to Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah allegedly launched rockets and drones at military and civilian targets in Israel, significantly expanding its arsenal.
Fadel Z is accused of procuring materials and products for drone construction worth approximately €1.4 million (£1.2 million). The components, including motors and propellers, were sourced from companies in Europe, China, and the US, often through front companies under Fadel Z's name.
His procurement efforts allegedly facilitated the transport of drones to Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. Two engines linked to Fadel Z's orders were later used in explosive drones fired at Israel, one of which struck a retirement home during the Jewish Holy Day of Yom Kippur, though fortunately without injuries.
The Federal Prosecutor's Office categorized this as aiding and abetting attempted murder. The regional court in Celle is expected to conduct hearings until August of the following year.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified following Hamas's actions, leading to a series of retaliatory attacks and a significant Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon, resulting in considerable casualties on both sides.
