The Irish State intervened with German authorities over the use of a glass enclosure in the trial of an Irish man and four other activists known collectively as the ‘Ulm 5′, defence lawyers have claimed. Speaking at a press conference in the European Parliament in Brussels today, lawyers and family members of the five pro-Palestinian activists alleged that their clients have been subjected to conditions that violate their rights under European law. The group, which is made up of activists from Ireland, the UK, Germany and Spain, are on trial in Stuttgart over a break-in at an Elbit Systems facility in Ulm in September 2025. Videos posted online after the incident showed activists spray-painting slogans on the site and accusing Germany of facilitating Israel’s military actions in Gaza. If convicted, the defendants face prison sentences of up to five years. German prosecutors have alleged that the group caused around €1 million worth of damage and are pursuing charges linked to membership of a criminal organisation. The five have been held in pre-trial detention since their arrests. During today’s press conference, Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan asked whether EU member states had intervened on behalf of their citizens given the conditions being described by lawyers and family members. Mathes Breuer, a German defence lawyer representing Spanish defendant Leandra Rollo Valenzuela, said there had been limited diplomatic engagement. “I can say that there was an intervention by the Irish state regarding this glass cage,” Breuer said. “There has been connection, small talk, with Leandra, my client, with the Spanish consulate, but so far I think that’s about it.” Breuer alleged that the trial conditions breach both the European Convention on Human Rights and EU law.

It isn’t long before you hear flippers behind you, but you’re not in the mood for Short Pengi’s nonsense. Not after you experienced the existential nightmare of whatever that was. You turn, a scowl already forming on your face, but-

-That’s not him.

“Hello, everyone. I’d like to congratulate you on returning. As you can see, we’ve arrived at our final destination.”

Not Long, not Short, not anyone. This is merely Pengi; the actor behind the role, the Robert behind the Freddy, the Tobin behind the John. He bows to you, flippers tucked politely in front of his tummy, before turning around. 

“I’m sure you’re all frustrated. Furious, even. I know. Answers will be coming soon. So, please.”

With the wave of a flipper, the doors to the Space Deck open once more. You can catch the faintest glimpse of what looks like crimson behind it. Should you walk closer- and, eventually, you’ll have to- you can see a red carpet laid out into the darkness. It extends on, and on, until it terminates…

at a movie theater.

So this is where it was hiding. A grand, old-fashioned movie theater, lights shining in the void. Myriad Pengi wait to guide you inside the grand foyer, hand you refreshments, and usher you to your seat. As you enter, you realise that this is the same theater from your dreams where you saw all those strangely prophetic visions. Now you’re here in person. It’s an uncanny feeling.

There’s a gap between the back seats and the front row which have been rearranged to face each other in a semi-circle formation. You can take your seat in due time. The stage is as imposing as ever, but unoccupied; this changes once Pengi clambers up to face you all. 

“...So. We don’t have a lot of time. It’s important that we establish each fact in turn so that you have the full idea of what’s happening. If we don’t do this, we risk losing sight of the big picture.” 

“Your last trial. Don’t worry- nobody’s going to be executed. We just need you to figure out this final puzzle. Then all will be revealed.”

He takes a little breath. Straightens his bowtie. Adjusts his tophat.

Yes we have been talking about it here :) There’s bruises on Lestat in some scenes. He is swaying in others.

Book canonically Armand tortured him before the trial.

The trial of a Texas teenager accused of stabbing a fellow high schooler at a track meet is set to begin Thursday. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. Karmelo Anthony, 19, was arrested last year and charged with stabbing Austin Metcalf, 17, during an altercation at a track meet at a Frisco high school, a sprawling suburb of…