Dresden – Days after the US government led by Donald Trump (79) classified the “Hammer Gang” (Antifa East) as a foreign terrorist organization, a large-scale trial began in Saxony with a large police presence against the alleged head of the gang, Johann Guntermann (32), and six other defendants who are also said to be members.
They all had to answer in the high-security chamber of the Dresden Regional Court for, among other things, membership in criminal organizations – even three defendants for attempted murder.
The start of the process is delayed
The trial started about 50 minutes late because more than 100 spectators and journalists had to go through security checks (like at an airport). They can then sit behind a plexiglass wall in the hall.
Alleged Hammer Gang boss Johann Guntermann (32) grinned at the start of the trial
Head of security Regional High Court explained clearly to a number of the defendant’s supporters that firm action would be taken if there were expressions of sympathy during the trial. He was threatened with fines and expulsion – before Starting from the process but this will be tolerated.
The well-wishers applauded
This created a strange scene: As the defendants were led down the hall, supporters clapped and cheered. The applause grew louder the higher the suspected member’s position in the gang hierarchy. As did the three accusers Federal Prosecutor’s Office When people entered the hall, there were some boos. Then Antifa slogans echoed throughout the court.
Supposed left-wing extremist thug: co-defendant Paul M. (28)
When presiding judge Joachim Kubista (61) introduced the parties involved in the trial, laughter could be heard among the supporters. Left-wing extremist in the audience because the plaintiff’s attorney for an assault victim from a right-wing extremist group was called “Hammer” by his last name.
The prosecutor spoke of militant anti-fascism
The reading of the indictment lasted several hours. The Federal Prosecutor’s Office spoke of militant anti-fascism and left-wing extremism. The Leipzig group considers violence against right-wing extremists “legitimate”. They will reject the rule of law and the monopoly on violence. The aim of the attack was to “explore political activity Right-wing extremist The Hammer Gang demonstrated a “methodical and planned approach.”
Photo from Hungarian police: Hammers, quartz gloves and irritating gas found on hammer gang members during attack in Budapest
“Rehearsed harassment” is taught in training sessions. “The victims should have been seriously injured,” the prosecutor said. The gang used hammers, hand axes and gas as weapons. As camouflage, the thugs disguise themselves as suppliers and craftsmen and wear “storm masks” when committing their crimes.
Violent training at Leipzig football club
According to the indictment, at least 14 attacks occurred, 35 people were injured in the attacks, and others in Thuringia And Saxony. In an attack on suspected right-wing extremists in Budapest, the attackers suffered fatal consequences. Covert attack training should be carried out, among other things, on the premises of the fourth division football team BSG Leipzig Chemistry has occurred.
Federal Prosecutor’s Office: Gang targets 215 people
According to federal prosecutors, the gang splintered after right-wing attacks by neo-Nazis against leftists Leipziger Connewitz District established. A list of 215 potential right-wing extremist “perpetrators” is said to have been drawn up and who should be held accountable.
A surveillance camera in Budapest captured the Palu Gang attack on suspected neo-Nazis on video
The court wants to hear the case until April 2027
Apart from the now accused Guntermann, his girlfriend at the time, Lina E. (30), played a major role. He was sentenced to 5 years and 3 months in prison in May 2023.
A trial lasting more than 100 days is scheduled – a verdict is not expected until April 2027. The defendant faces several years in prison.
