A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
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 expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, 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 planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, 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 certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
