A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the group was behind 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 establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant 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.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and global responses
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
