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

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative