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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative