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 moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and legal charges
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
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 often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks 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 the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and global responses
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
