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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts 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 breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson