A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.
Regional context and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe 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 rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases and global responses
A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
