A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, 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, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East 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 high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
