A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Global terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
Court proceedings and international connections
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
