Seven individuals allegedly belonging to 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 terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
