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 earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up 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-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
