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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists 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 organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the group was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

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

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

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

Interior ministry representative