A group of seven people accused of being 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”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the group was behind targeting sites in Germany and neighboring 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.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details 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., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.
Regional context and organizational structure
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 the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Government representative
