A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, 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 2023.
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 antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Government representative
