🔗 Share this article

A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative