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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost began their trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

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

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

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

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, freezes any assets they may have within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson