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 nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
