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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, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

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

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

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

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged 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, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative