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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some 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, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions 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.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative