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Seven individuals accused of being 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 nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 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 facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated 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 cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative