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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and legal charges

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

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground 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 Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government representative