🔗 Share this article

Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects 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 six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative