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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded 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 US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson