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 rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of 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 scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal 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. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government representative
