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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the nickname “the hammer group”.

Global terrorist designation and legal charges

Recently, the United States classified the organization as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the same rally in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that oppose them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the group reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and communication devices.

Previous convictions and international reactions

A different activist formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within some far-left activist circles following her 2023 guilty verdict for attacks on suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or remain detained.”

Interior ministry representative