A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.
Regional context 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 high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, 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 particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
