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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have 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 mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative