A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground 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 high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
