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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. 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 called the “day of honour” that attracts 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 same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson