A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.
Global terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry representative
