A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
