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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring 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 rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside 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 allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, 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 renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson