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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the group was behind targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure 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 world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson