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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “Hammer Gang”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified 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 rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson