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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on this week, accused 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 the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment 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 international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize 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 accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation 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.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. 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. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson