🔗 Share this article

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 resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose 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 training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.

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

Interior ministry spokesperson