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 violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure 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 overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved 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 renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
