🔗 Share this article

A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and 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 allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event 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 the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities 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 offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson