🔗 Share this article

A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

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

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, 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 draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, 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.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative