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

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

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

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative