A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East 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 counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Government representative