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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany 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 allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative