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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for targeting sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for 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 managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” 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