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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis 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 far-right and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G. as a senior figure within the organization, tasked with planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and international reactions

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government representative