A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants 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 Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event 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 four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been 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 high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with 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 overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
