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

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are said to have employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant 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.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

“The danger from the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson