A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on 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 meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and global responses
Another militant formerly involved 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.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
