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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative