A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital 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 violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and global responses
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
