A group of seven people accused of being 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 moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and legal charges
Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and global responses
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
