A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the group was behind targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
