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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises 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 conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson