A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
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. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions 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 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
