A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.
Regional context and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with 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 simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess 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 take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
