A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and international connections
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
