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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the German far-left militant group Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for attacks targeting rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

Global terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the United States designated the organization as a terrorist group together with several other European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the network was behind targeting sites in Germany and neighboring Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Some suspects are said to have using hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. A pair of suspects, identified as Johann G and Paul M., are additionally accused for violent incidents in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering known as the “day of honour” that attracts rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, another German activist, Maja T, is currently on trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against far-right activists prior to the identical event in that year.

Historical background and organizational structure

Eastern Germany has historically served as a breeding ground for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth organizations, as well as the frequently radical anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a senior figure within Antifa Ost, tasked with organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Together with Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. In storage facilities managed by Paul M, the network reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, concealment items and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

Another militant formerly involved with the group, Lina E, emerged as a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict 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 Alternative for Germany applauded the American move and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. However, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the organization has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson