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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

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

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event 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 often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson