Seven people have gone on trial in Dresden, eastern Germany, charged with being members or supporters of a militant, criminal left-wing extremist group, Antifa Ost - also known as the hammer gang.
Earlier this month the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization, along with several other far-left European groups.
German prosecutors say the group, founded in late 2017 or early 2018, carried out violent attacks on individuals they viewed as part of the right-wing scene. The assaults occurred in both Germany and Budapest, Hungary.
The six men and one woman on trial face charges that include attempted murder, aggravated assault, and property damage.
They have been identified as Henry A, Tobias E, Johann G, Thomas J, Melissa K, Paul M, and Julian W, in accordance with German privacy laws.
Prosecutors allege that the group prepared these attacks “intensively,” conducting surveillance on their targets. Victims were reportedly subjected to severe injury from weapons like hammers and batons.
Johann G is noted for his leadership role within the group, accused of planning violent actions and recruiting members, while fellow defendant Paul M allegedly organized combat training.
Among the documented assaults is a January 2019 incident where Johann G, Tobias E, and others are reported to have violently attacked four individuals returning from a rally commemorating the bombing of Magdeburg during World War II. The allegations include striking victims with heavy tools such as hammers and inflicting life-threatening injuries even after they had fallen to the ground.
Both Johann G and Paul M are also accused of participating in attacks in Budapest that targeted right-wing activists during a memorial event in February 2023.
In these instances, victims recalled being assaulted with batons and pepper spray, sustaining significant blows to the head.
Recently, Antifa Ost's designation as a terrorist group in the U.S.—part of a broader effort to address extreme-left activism—has stirred debate. This classification impacts members by barring them from entering the U.S. and freezing assets.
This designation has garnered support from far-right factions in Germany, with demands for similar actions against Antifa in Germany being voiced by figures such as Stephan Brandner from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
The German foreign ministry has acknowledged the U.S. response but has yet to indicate any similar policy changes.
