Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
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.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
