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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist 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 suspected right-wing individuals.

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

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative