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

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

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

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused 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.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative