A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central 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, leaving some with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration 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 organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
