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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

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

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details 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 violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Regional context and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a high-ranking member within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson