A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and international connections
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
