Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue 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 February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” 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 neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
