A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “Hammer Gang”.
Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
Eva de Vries is a passionate book lover and local writer from Eindhoven.
