A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was responsible for targeting locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson