A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.
International terror listing and legal charges
Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 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 rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 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 yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and global responses
A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
