A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and legal charges
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point 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 seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 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, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Regional context and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
