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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during early 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative