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

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the group was behind targeting locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honour” 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 violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member 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. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

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 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson