A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Trial details and international connections
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, 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.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates 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 AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
