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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right 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 Antifa Ost, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure 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 United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson