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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

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

German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

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

Government representative