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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering 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 applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin 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. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative