A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, a different German individual, 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 identical event in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
