A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office 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 already been convicted or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
