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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 moniker “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and legal charges

Earlier this month, the United States designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist group together with several other left-wing extremist and anarchist groups.

German prosecutors state the network was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents 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 employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some with serious injuries.

Court proceedings and international connections

The trial involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the 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 called the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis in the lead-up to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the frequently radical antifascist groups that counter them.

Prosecutors describe Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is accused of organizing training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Prior legal cases and global responses

A different activist previously active with the group, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting presumed far-right targets.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the United States, 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 applauded the US decision and urged the German administration to follow suit. However, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “acknowledged” of the American classification.

“The threat posed by the organization has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson