A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration 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 planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
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 attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
