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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded 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 threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson