A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman 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 the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items 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 targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
