In brief
Seven members of a militant leftist group known as Antifa Ost, dubbed the 'hammer gang', are on trial in Dresden for multiple violent assaults, including attempted murder and aggravated assault. The group's activities have drawn international attention, leading to their designation as a terrorist organization by the United States.
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 individuals they considered part of the right-wing scene. The attacks occurred in both Germany and 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 compliance with German privacy laws.
According to prosecutors, the attacks, planned intensively over several years, included surveillance of targets. In multiple incidents, victims were severely injured from blows by hammers and batons.
One of the defendants, Johann G, is said to have played a significant role within the group, planning attacks and recruiting members. Another defendant, Paul M, reportedly organised combat training for the group.
During a 2019 attack, Johann G, Tobias E, and others allegedly assaulted four individuals returning from a rally, inflicting life-threatening injuries with tools. Reports indicate victims received multiple heavy strikes even after falling to the ground.
Additionally, Johann G and Paul M are accused of participating in assaults in Budapest in February 2023, targeting right-wing extremists gathered for a so-called 'Day of Honour'.
This trial highlights the broader crackdown on extremist groups and terrorism, with recent actions by the US government reinforcing these measures, notably in relation to far-left extremism. The German foreign ministry acknowledged the US's designation of Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization.
