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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

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. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative