A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and legal charges
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Court proceedings and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
