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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization 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 legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants 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 violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

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

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

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 group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

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

America's terrorist listing makes group members 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 Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson