A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
