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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details 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. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative