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

International terror listing and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany claim the group was behind attacks on locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Included in the allegations is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose venue reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and cross-border allegations

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the eastern city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G. and Paul M, also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honor” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in the Hungarian judicial system 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 breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that oppose them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for planning attacks and bringing in new members.

Alongside Paul M., he is accused of organizing instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities overseen by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, irritant sprays, concealment items and communication devices.

Prior legal cases and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the organization, Lina E, became a symbolic figure within certain radical left communities following her conviction in 2023 for attacks on presumed far-right targets.

The US designation renders organization affiliates barred from entering the United States, blocks financial holdings they could possess within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

The German right-wing AfD party welcomed the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. Key leaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or are in custody.”

Interior ministry representative