🔗 Share this article

A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue 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 the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative