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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network began their trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is expected to run until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

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

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson