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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the group was behind attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative