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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several 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. 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 attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative