A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
