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

International terror listing and legal charges

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

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

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

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

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant 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, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

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

Government representative