🔗 Share this article

Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for targeting locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative