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”.
Global terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
