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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson