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

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M, are additionally accused for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, coinciding with an annual event known as the “day of honor” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots overseen by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, 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 certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have either already been convicted or remain detained.”

Government representative