A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and legal charges
Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing 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 expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named 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 currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist 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 the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess 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 urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
