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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the group 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 restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have 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, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

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

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative