A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-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 called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault 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 right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure 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 rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and global responses
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
