Trial of German 'Hammer Gang' As Extremist Violence Intensifies

Tue Nov 25 2025 20:36:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In Dresden, seven individuals face charges linked to their alleged involvement in the Antifa Ost group, dubbed the 'hammer gang' for their violent attacks on right-wing activists.

A trial is underway in Dresden for seven defendants charged with involvement in the Antifa Ost group, accused of extreme-left violence. The group, labeled as a terrorist organization by the US, reportedly orchestrated violent attacks against perceived right-wing adversaries across Germany and Budapest. The charges include attempted murder and aggravated assault, with one defendant allegedly taking a leadership role.

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 part of the right-wing scene, with incidents reported in both Germany and Budapest.

The six men and one woman on trial face charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and property damage. They have been identified only by initials due to German privacy laws: Henry A, Tobias E, Johann G, Thomas J, Melissa K, Paul M, and Julian W.

According to prosecutors, the attacks were planned extensively, involving pre-attack reconnaissance of their victims. In numerous cases, victims suffered severe injuries from blows with hammers and batons.

John G, one of the accused, is reported to have played a key role in the group, allegedly planning attacks and recruiting members. Another defendant, Paul M, is accused of facilitating combat training.

In one instance, Johann G, Tobias E, and others allegedly attacked four individuals at a train station in Dessau-Rosslau in January 2019, targeting them as they returned from a rally.

The assailants purportedly struck their victims with heavy tools and continued to assault them even after they fell to the ground.

Additionally, Johann G and Paul M are reportedly involved in attacks in Budapest during February 2023 when right-wing extremists from across Europe gathered for a Day of Honour.

This group of defendants faces serious allegations, with one victim reportedly receiving more than 15 blows primarily targeted at the head.

The recent US designation of Antifa Ost as a terrorist group resulted in significant implications, including restrictions on member activities, threatening their ability to enter the US or access financial assets. This move has garnered support from Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, calling for similar actions from the German government.

The German foreign ministry has acknowledged the US decision, reflecting growing concerns around extremism and public safety.

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