A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind targeting sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
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.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved 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 US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government representative
