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 violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist 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 Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
