A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Regional context and group hierarchy
The former East 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, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”
Government representative
