Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified 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 honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
