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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

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

Authorities in Germany state the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations 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 said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

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

Interior ministry representative