A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.
International terror listing and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.
German prosecutors state the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings and international connections
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.
Previous convictions and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, 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 renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”
Interior ministry representative
