A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, 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. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
