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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest 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 currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson