Trial of the 'Hammer Gang': Seven Accused of Violent Extremism in Germany

Wed Nov 26 2025 22:58:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In Dresden, seven individuals face trial for their alleged involvement in a militant left-wing group accused of violent attacks against right-wing individuals. This marks a significant moment in Germany's ongoing struggle with political extremism.

Seven members of a militant group known as Antifa Ost, dubbed the 'hammer gang,' are on trial in Dresden. Prosecutors claim they participated in brutal attacks targeting right-wing individuals, including incidents in Germany and Budapest. The cases have drawn international attention, particularly following the US designation of the group as 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 organisation, 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 who are 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 line with German privacy laws.

According to prosecutors, the attacks, which went on for several years, were prepared for 'intensively' and included, for example, 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 having planned the attacks and recruited members. Prosecutors say that another defendant, Paul M, organised combat training for the group.

In one attack, in January 2019, Johann G, Tobias E and others are alleged to have attacked four people at Germany's Dessau-Rosslau train station who were on their way back from a rally in Magdeburg, marking the anniversary of the World War Two bombing of the city.

The defendants are accused of striking the victims on the head with heavy tools, including a hammer and an iron bar. Prosecutors say they continued to inflict life-threatening blows and kicks, even after their victims had been knocked to the ground.

Johann G and Paul M are also accused of having taken part in attacks in Budapest in February 2023 against right-wing extremists from across Europe during a so-called 'Day of Honour'.

Johann G and Paul M are charged with taking part in several attacks, hitting and beating right-wing activists with batons, pepper spray and a hammer. One of the victims received at least 15 blows, mainly to the head.

Antifa Ost was designated as a terrorist group in the US earlier this month, as part of President Donald Trump's crackdown on extreme-left activists. This designation restricts group members' ability to enter the US and makes it a criminal offense to provide them assistance.

The move has been received positively by far-right political elements in Germany, who call for similar actions against Antifa within the country. While the German government has acknowledged the US decision, it remains to be seen how it will influence domestic policies regarding extremist groups.