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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

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 presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative