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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, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

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

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

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 in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, 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 renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson