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A group of seven people accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

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

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

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

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government spokesperson