A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their 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 designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial 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 violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.
Regional context and organizational structure
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Government representative
