A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the group was behind targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
