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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as 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 multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative