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 organization 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, initially working in public relations.
Prosecutors claim he became a foreign operator for the group's drone program in 2022, first from Barcelona and later from Germany. They assert that Hezbollah has operated an extensive drone programme for some time, especially after Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to the prosecution, Fadel Z is accused of purchasing materials and products worth around €1.4 million, including over 2,000 motors and 600 propellers, from companies in Europe, China, and the US. His procurement activities allegedly involved front companies to facilitate these purchases, which were then transported to Lebanon for use in drone attacks against Israeli targets.
The trial is expected to last until August next year and adds to the complex backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly following the notable military exchanges between the groups.
Lebanese authorities have reported significant casualties from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, indicating the severe impact of ongoing hostilities between these factions. The trial stands as a critical legal case illustrating the intricate web of transnational issues stemming from regional conflicts.
