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

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the group was responsible for targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

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

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

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

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative