A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
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 organizational structure
The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the German administration 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 substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
