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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called 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 neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground 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, responsible for 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 simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative