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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for targeting sites in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative