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 rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and international connections
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. 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.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Regional context and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and global responses
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on 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. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
