Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. 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 already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
