A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing 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 July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.
America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
