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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

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

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis 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 hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict 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 American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson