A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
