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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled 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 some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative