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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Earlier this month, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist organization along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors claim the group was behind targeting locations in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

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

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event known as the “day of honour” that attracts far-right participants from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system for multiple charges of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has long been 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 senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and bringing in new members.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active 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.

The US designation renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, 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 welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

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

Interior ministry spokesperson