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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors 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 Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during early 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative