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

International terror listing and legal charges

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

German prosecutors state 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 central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

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

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

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

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

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative