A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
