A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the group was responsible for targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, 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 US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
