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

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

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

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run 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 Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

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

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative