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Seven individuals accused of being the German far-left militant group the Antifa Ost network went on trial on Tuesday, accused for attacks targeting far-right activists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany claim the network was responsible for attacks on locations in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have using hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, identified as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, around an annual event 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 assault against far-right activists in the lead-up to the same rally in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where leftwing extremists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

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

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and makes it illegal offering assistance to them.

The German right-wing Alternative for Germany welcomed the US decision and urged the German administration to take similar action. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the American classification.

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

Interior ministry representative