A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor 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.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event 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 Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
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 often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.
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 overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
