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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior 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 counter them.

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

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson