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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several 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. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative