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 far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the 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 annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
