Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for targeting sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault 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 far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the group, 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.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
