A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and international connections
Court proceedings 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 annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern 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.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes 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. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
