A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and international reactions
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
