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

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was responsible for targeting sites in Germany and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a restaurant owner in Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for far-right supporters.

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

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is expected to run until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden. A pair of suspects, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted violent acts 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 hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigration youth organizations, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that oppose them.

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

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant previously active with the organization, Lina E, emerged as a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

America's terrorist listing makes group members barred from entering the US, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

Germany's far-right AfD party applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The danger from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry spokesperson