A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
