A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind targeting sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
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, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
