🔗 Share this article

A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

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

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

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

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative