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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

Authorities in Germany claim the group was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 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 honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Government representative