A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Regional context and organizational structure
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
