DRESDEN: Seven alleged members of the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial accused of attacks targeting right-wing extremists that earned them the nickname “Hammer Gang”. The United States this month designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist organisations.
German prosecutors say the group — six men and one woman — was behind attacks on targets they deemed to be neo-Nazis in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Some of the suspects allegedly targeted presumed right-wing extremists with hammers, leaving some severely injured. The trial is expected to run until at least April 2027.
Two of the suspects, partially identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are also accused of attacking and injuring several people in the Hungarian capital Budapest in February 2023 around the so-called Day of Honour — an annual event drawing right-wing extremists from across Europe. Another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary over four counts of attempted assault targeting neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023. — AFP
