A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.
Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization together with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind targeting sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.
Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.
Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.
Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that oppose them.
Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.
Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.
Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.
The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess 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 called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.
“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. Key leaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or are in custody.”
Government spokesperson
