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 rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.
Global terrorist designation and legal charges
Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state the group was behind targeting sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.
Historical background and organizational structure
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.
Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.
Prior legal cases 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 targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.
The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
