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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 rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several 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 eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

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.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative