A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors claim the group was behind targeting locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents 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 employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as 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 renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Government representative
