A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
