Düsseldorf, Germany is seeing significant security measures and public interest as the trial of six individuals accused of violent attacks began Tuesday. Delays in security checks led to a pause in proceedings as the court prepared for a full gallery, a space typically reserved for trials involving jihadist terrorism.
Supporters of the accused – Paula P., Emilie D., Clara W., Nele A., Luca S., and Moritz S. – greeted their arrival with chants of “Free all Antifas” and “You are not alone,” offering applause and gestures of support. The six, all young adults, are accused by the General Public Prosecutor’s Office (GBA) of dangerous bodily harm and attempted murder.
Prosecutors allege the six are members of a far-left extremist criminal organization known as Antifa Ost, also referred to as the “Hammerbande” (Hammer Gang). They stand accused of carrying out violent attacks against individuals they identified as neo-Nazis in eastern Germany and Budapest, Hungary.
This is not the first legal action against alleged members of the Hammerbande. In Dresden in Spring 2023, Lina E. and three others received prison sentences of up to five years for a series of assaults in Saxony and Thuringia. Another trial is currently underway in Dresden against Johann G., identified as a leader of Antifa Ost. In September, Hanna S. received a five-year sentence from a Munich court for her role in an attack on right-wing extremists in Budapest. Another individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Budapest, with a verdict expected later this month.
Budapest as a Focal Point
Budapest appears to have been a central location for the activities of Antifa Ost. Investigators believe members traveled to the Hungarian capital to target right-wing extremists attending the annual “Day of Honor” event. These attacks allegedly involved ambushing victims with telescopic batons and other weapons.
The Düsseldorf trial centers on incidents in Budapest, but also includes events in Germany. On April 23, 2022, members of the Hammerbande allegedly simultaneously attacked stores selling the Thor Steinar brand – popular with right-wing extremists – in Erfurt, Magdeburg, Halle, and Schwerin. Emilie D. is accused of playing a key role in the Erfurt attack, allegedly assaulting a saleswoman.
Further accusations detail a brutal assault in Erfurt in January 2023, where Emilie D. and Johann G. allegedly attacked two individuals, inflicting severe injuries, including a skull base fracture. The GBA has classified the Erfurt attack and two of the Budapest incidents as attempted murder.
Upon surrendering to authorities, the six defendants released a statement calling the attempted murder charges a “politically motivated escalation” and asserting that the antifascist movement is not aimed at killing Nazis. Their defense team echoed this sentiment Tuesday, accusing the GBA of pursuing a “political intent” with these charges, and pointing to a Munich court’s decision not to convict Hanna S. of attempted murder in a related Budapest case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the defendants accused of?
The six defendants are accused of dangerous bodily harm and attempted murder as members of the Antifa Ost group, allegedly carrying out violent attacks against individuals they identified as neo-Nazis in Germany and Hungary.
Where did many of these alleged attacks take place?
Budapest, Hungary, was a key location for alleged attacks by Antifa Ost, particularly targeting right-wing extremists attending the annual “Day of Honor” event.
What is the defense’s argument?
The defense argues that the attempted murder charges are a “politically motivated escalation” and that the antifascist movement does not aim to kill individuals.
As this trial unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will weigh the evidence and the arguments presented by both sides. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases involving politically motivated violence and the definition of intent in cases of attempted murder.
