A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
