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 earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
