A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”
Government representative
