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Seven individuals allegedly belonging to the left-wing extremist organization the Antifa Ost network began their trial on this week, accused for violent actions against rightwing extremists that earned them the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terror listing and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified the organization as a terrorist group along with multiple additional European far-left and anarchist networks.

German prosecutors claim the group was behind attacks on sites in Germany and Hungary between 2018 and 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a restaurant owner in central Thuringia, whose establishment reportedly served as a gathering spot for rightwing activists.

Certain individuals are said to have employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several with serious injuries.

Trial details and international connections

Court proceedings involving seven defendants is scheduled to continue until mid-2026 in the eastern city of Dresden. Two defendants, named as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for violent incidents in the Hungarian capital during February 2023, around an yearly gathering called the “day of honour” that draws rightwing extremists from throughout the continent.

Separately, a different German individual, Maja T., is facing trial in Hungary for multiple charges of attempted assault against neo-Nazis prior to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and group hierarchy

Eastern Germany has long been a hotbed for both right-wing extremist and anti-immigrant youth groups, as well as the often militant anti-fascist networks that counter them.

Authorities characterize Johann G as a high-ranking member within the organization, responsible for organizing violent acts and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M, he is alleged to have arranged training sessions where radical left activists trained in fighting methods and rehearsed attacks. At depots managed by Paul M, the network allegedly accumulated hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and international reactions

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

America's terrorist listing makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the American economy and makes it illegal providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the government in Berlin to take similar action. In contrast, the German foreign ministry merely commented it had “taken note” of the US designation.

“The threat posed by the [Antifa Ost] group has recently decreased significantly. The ringleaders and most aggressive participants have received convictions or remain detained.”

Interior ministry spokesperson