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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative