A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was behind targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named 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 honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
