🔗 Share this article

Seven individuals 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 organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system 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

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

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

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed 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 American classification.

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

Government spokesperson