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

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts 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 rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson