A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
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 senior figure 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 rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
