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Seven individuals accused of being the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the US government designated the organization as a terrorist group together with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors state the group was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have 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 mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, coinciding with an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws far-right participants from throughout the continent.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T., is currently on trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter 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 alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E., emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

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

Germany's far-right AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

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

Government spokesperson