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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Prior legal cases 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 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry 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 spokesperson