A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and international connections
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
