A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 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 allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, 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 organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering 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 welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government representative
