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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

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

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office 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 already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson