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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on 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 classified the organization as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

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

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles 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 could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative