A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on 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
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
