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 terrorist designation and legal charges
Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
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 anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure 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 barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
