A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Trial details and international connections
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern 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 annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure 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 US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
