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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 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.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative