A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization 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 Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, 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 eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson