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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

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

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

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

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. 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 honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, 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.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative