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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 violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on 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 group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative