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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Together with 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 hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as 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 United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative