A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on 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 criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
