Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.
Earlier this month, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.
Authorities in Germany state 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 restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.
Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.
The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” 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 prior to the identical event in that year.
The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.
Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.
Alongside 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 Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated tools, irritant sprays, disguises and communication devices.
Another militant previously active with the group, Lina E, became a cause celebre 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 US, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.
The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “taken note” of the American classification.
“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either received convictions or remain detained.”
Government spokesperson
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