A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
