Overview
- The Oberlandesgericht Dresden began proceedings against seven suspects accused of membership in or support for a criminal organization tied to the so‑called Hammerbande/Antifa‑Ost.
- Charges cover a series of intensively planned assaults from 2018 to 2023 targeting right‑wing figures, including an Erfurt attack prosecutors classify as attempted murder after a victim suffered a skull‑base fracture.
- Prosecutors say Johann G. held a leading role by planning operations, recruiting accomplices, arranging trainings and managing depots; he was arrested in 2024 after years underground.
- The case draws on a cooperating witness from earlier trials and forensic work including a disputed 3D movement analysis that defense lawyers are expected to challenge.
- The court has scheduled many hearing days through mid‑2026 with additional dates into 2027 under heightened security; four defendants are in pre‑trial detention, three are free, and the group was recently listed by the United States as a terrorist organization following a similar step by Hungary.