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”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the network was behind attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot 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. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.
Historical background and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.
Prior legal cases and international reactions
Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.
The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”
Interior ministry spokesperson
