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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

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

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed 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 high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, 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 ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative