A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
