🔗 Share this article

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

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in the country and 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 meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre 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 world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative