Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.
International terrorist designation and prosecution case
Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.
German prosecutors state the network was behind targeting locations in the country 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 meeting point for rightwing activists.
Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Trial details and cross-border allegations
The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.
In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Regional context and group hierarchy
The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Previous convictions and global responses
A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.
Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.
“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
