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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 resulted in the moniker “the hammer group”.

International terrorist designation and prosecution case

Recently, the US government classified Antifa Ost as a terrorist group along with several other European far-left and anarchist groups.

Authorities in Germany state the network was behind targeting locations in Germany and neighboring Hungary from 2018 through 2023. Among the incidents is the multiple attacks of a business proprietor in central Thuringia, whose establishment was known as a meeting point for far-right supporters.

Some suspects are allegedly accused of employing hammers against suspected far-right members, causing several severely injured.

Trial details and international connections

The trial involving six men and one woman is scheduled to continue until July 2026 in the city of Dresden. Two defendants, identified as Johann G and Paul M., also face charges for attacks in the Hungarian capital during early 2023, around an annual event called the “day of honor” that draws rightwing extremists from across Europe.

In a related case, a different German individual, Maja T, is facing trial in the Hungarian judicial system for four counts of attempted violent acts against far-right activists in the lead-up to the identical event in 2023.

Historical background and organizational structure

The former East Germany has long been a breeding ground for both far-right and anti-immigrant youth groups, 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 planning attacks and recruiting accomplices.

Alongside Paul M., he is alleged to have arranged instruction courses where radical left activists practised combat techniques and simulated violent actions. In storage facilities managed by the suspect, the group reportedly stockpiled hammers, pepper spray, disguises and mobile phones.

Previous convictions and global responses

A different activist previously active with the organization, Lina E., became a cause celebre within certain radical left communities following her 2023 guilty verdict for targeting suspected right-wing individuals.

The US designation makes group members ineligible to enter the US, blocks financial holdings they may have within the world’s largest economy and criminalizes providing material support to them.

Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany welcomed the American move and urged the German administration to take similar action. In contrast, the country's diplomatic office simply stated it had “taken note” of the US designation.

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

Government spokesperson