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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

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

Interior ministry spokesperson