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A group of seven people allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization Antifa Ost went on trial on Tuesday, facing charges for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization along with multiple additional left-wing extremist and anarchist networks.

Authorities in Germany state the group was responsible for attacks on sites in the country and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the repeated targeting of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are allegedly accused of employing hammers against presumed rightwing extremists, leaving some severely injured.

Trial details and cross-border allegations

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is expected to run until July 2026 in the city of Dresden, Germany. Two defendants, named as Johann G. and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in Budapest during February 2023, coinciding with an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws far-right participants from across Europe.

Separately, another German activist, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for four counts of attempted violent acts against neo-Nazis prior to the same rally in that year.

Regional context and group hierarchy

The former East Germany has historically served as a hotbed for both far-right and anti-immigration youth groups, as well as the often militant antifascist groups that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within Antifa Ost, tasked with planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and simulated violent actions. At depots overseen by the suspect, the network reportedly stockpiled tools, irritant sprays, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

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

America's terrorist listing renders organization affiliates ineligible to enter the United States, freezes any assets they could possess within the American economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany applauded the US decision and called on the government in Berlin to follow suit. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office merely commented it had “acknowledged” of the US designation.

“The threat from the [Antifa Ost] group has substantially diminished lately. The ringleaders and particularly violent members have either already been convicted or are in custody.”

Government spokesperson