A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the 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, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right 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, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
