A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and international connections
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
