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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest 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 follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative