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A group of seven people accused of being the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on this week, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the nickname “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system 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

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

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The danger posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson