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

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative