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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, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany 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 business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings 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 the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative