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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

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

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M, he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases 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 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, 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 welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson