A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on this week, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on locations in the country and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, 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 honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.
In a related case, 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 in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Regional context and organizational structure
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.
America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
