A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist 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 Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and global responses
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
