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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called 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 violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration 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, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany 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 threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative