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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global 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 state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

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, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

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

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision 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 [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative