A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern 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 oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities 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 may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
