🔗 Share this article

A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson