A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and international connections
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member 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. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering 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 applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
