German Trial of 'Hammer Gang' Members Sparks Controversy Over Extremist Violence

Wed Nov 26 2025 02:54:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Seven individuals face trial in Germany for their alleged involvement in violent acts carried out by the left-wing extremist group Antifa Ost. The trial raises questions about how to handle politically motivated violence in Europe.

In a significant legal proceeding, seven suspects have been brought to trial in Dresden, Germany, accused of being members of the militant left-wing group Antifa Ost, often referred to as the 'hammer gang.' Charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, the defendants allegedly engaged in violent attacks against individuals they considered part of the right-wing movement, including incidents in Hungary. The situation has intensified debate on the classification of extremist groups and government responses, especially after the U.S. labeled Antifa Ost a terrorist organization.

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 people they considered to be part of the right-wing scene. The attacks took place in Germany and in the Hungarian capital Budapest.

The six men and one woman on trial face charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and property damage.

They have been named only as Henry A, Tobias E, Johann G, Thomas J, Melissa K, Paul M, and Julian W, in accordance with German privacy laws.

According to prosecutors, the attacks were prepared for 'intensively' and included, for instance, spying on the targets in advance. In several cases, victims were severely injured with blows from a hammer and batons.

One of the seven defendants, Johann G, is charged with having a prominent role in the group. He is accused of planning the attacks and recruiting members.

In one incident, in January 2019, Johann G, Tobias E, and others allegedly attacked four people at a train station who were returning from a rally in Magdeburg. The defendants struck the victims on the head with heavy tools, including a hammer and an iron bar, continuing to deliver life-threatening blows even after their victims were on the ground.

Johann G and Paul M are also implicated in attacks that occurred in Budapest in February 2023. They participated in violent actions against right-wing activists during a gathering dubbed 'Day of Honour'.

The recent US designation of Antifa Ost as a terrorist group has sparked discussions within Germany about the serious nature of its activities and the political ramifications surrounding it.

Stephan Brandner from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party praised the designation, urging the German government to emulate the US's actions against political extremism.

As the trial unfolds, it raises critical questions about how democracies confront politically motivated violence and the boundaries of political activism.