A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
