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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment 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 severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, 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 urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson