Seven individuals 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 terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
