A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
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, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes 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 country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
