A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run 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 Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with 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 multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with 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 allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
