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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

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

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration 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, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson