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Seven individuals 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 earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, 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 same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative